Michell Plested’s Profile

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Michell Plested rated a book 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience)
by Ira Nayman (Goodreads Author)

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I had the opportunity to read Ira Nayman's new book, Welcome the the Multiverse, Sorry for the Inconvenience prior to meeting with Ira. I had it on good authority that Ira was hilarious and I wanted to experience his writing first hand.

My very first...more

May 13, 2013 08:50am · see review

Michell Plested joined the groups Fiendlings and 52 weeks, 52 books

May 13, 2013 08:49am

Michell Plested recommended The Disillusioned to Annette

The Disillusioned
by D.J. Williams (Goodreads Author)

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May 13, 2013 08:45am · like

Michell Plested rated a book 5 of 5 stars

The Disillusioned
by D.J. Williams (Goodreads Author)

read in April, 2013

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Derek Williams, writing as DJ Williams, gave me the opportunity to read his new book, The Disillusioned. The book begins with the inner thoughts of a woman tortured by her past. She has been institutionalized and feels that the only way to release he...more Derek Williams, writing as DJ Williams, gave me the opportunity to read his new book, The Disillusioned. The book begins with the inner thoughts of a woman tortured by her past. She has been institutionalized and feels that the only way to release her family from the sins of the past and her own torment is to end her life.

What results is a whirlwind of activity that has her sons traveling from the relative safety of their lives into some of the most dangerous places in Africa. It is during their own trials and tribulations that they learn of dark family secrets as well as the horror of human traffiking.

I could say more about what goes on in this book, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Instead, let me spend time talking about the book itself. First of all, if you are simply looking for the next thriller, this is likely more book than you can handle. Don’t get me wrong; this book has many thrills. As I read it I got a definite taste of the author’s television experience.

The book also has a much deeper side to it. As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to the dark and terrible world of human traffiking and child slavery. For those of us who try to avoid the problems outside our door, this is a vivid and disturbing picture.

The main characters of the book come across as real people, complete with virtues and flaws. As I read the story I came to truly care about the protagonists and hate the villains. The world we are introduced to is a world few of us know or ever want to know. It is gritty and desperate and filled with people who want the same things we all want – a safe place to live and raise our children.
The book moves briskly along and I found that both the character’s actions and the events that unfolded during the story to be quite believable and eye-opening. Not only did the story entertain, but it educated me on the problems that exist elsewhere in the world.

I won’t say that the book left me wanting more, only because the topic is one that is distasteful at best. However, it left me wanting to do more about the problem. It also has left me with the hope that DJ Williams will bring out more books that are equally powerful and thought-provoking.

On a side note, I think it is important to mention that DJ Williams will be donating a portion of each book sale to organizations that are dedicated to the emancipation and rehabilitation of child slaves.

Is the book perfect? I’m not sure I know what a perfect book looks like. It is, however, a book worth reading. It contains mystery, suspense, action, adventure and a message. What else could you possibly want.(less)

May 13, 2013 08:44am · see review

Michell Plested rated a book 5 of 5 stars

Shadow Song
by Lorina Stephens (Goodreads Author)

read in May, 2013

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When I read for pleasure I’m always hoping to get character development, interesting plot and setting and, if I’m very lucky, the chance to learn something. Usually I get one or two of those three things and I’m able to enjoy the story. When I get al...more When I read for pleasure I’m always hoping to get character development, interesting plot and setting and, if I’m very lucky, the chance to learn something. Usually I get one or two of those three things and I’m able to enjoy the story. When I get all three, I know I’m reading something special.

The historical fiction novel, Shadow Song, by Lorina Stephens is one of those books. The story focuses on the life of Danielle Michele Fleming, the 10 year old daughter of a French aristocratic mother and a father who is the second son of English gentry. At first, her life is quite idyllic until the failure of the Bourbon Monarchy.

Her father is ruined financially and her family is devastated. Danielle ends up being shipped across the Atlantic to the Queen’s Bush of Upper Canada. There she must face her uncle Edgar Fleming and try to make a new life for herself.

I’m not going give any more of the story away. That would truly spoil an excellent read. So, let me focus instead on the three elements I think are key to a great story.

The plot and setting are, by design, very realistic. The author has based everything on extensive research of the period and places the story takes place. I have always considered the early 1800’s to be a horrific time period. If you were not of the aristocracy or had money, yours could be a very terrible life. This story gave me a glimpse into that world and made me doubly glad I live today. The author paints a very vivid picture of the conditions in 19th century England, on board ship and in the new world. It couldn’t have been easy for anyone, especially a person who started life in privilege.

The characters are many shades of gray. Danielle’s parents are memorable from a child’s perspective and their sacrifices are those most parents can identify with. Danielle herself is a remarkable character who takes on a great deal more than any child should have to. That she survives and thrives is testament to her inner strength and resolve. The uncle is despicable in a way that sets your teeth on edge whenever he contaminates a page. His actions are deplorable and obviously the results of someone who has gone through life with a tree-size chip on his shoulder.

There are various other characters scattered throughout the story. They are brought in partially to enrich the setting of the story and partially to move the story forward. While not stereotypes, they are examples of the kinds of people you would meet in that time and place.

The other major character is Shadow Song, a native shaman and medicine man. Shadow Song is anything but an ordinary native man. Educated in England, he has embraced the ways of his people and become a leader. Through him, Danielle and we the readers learn more about the ways of the Ojibwa and Chippewa of Upper Canada.

For the first time I experienced the raw and untamed wonder of Canada before it was a nation and saw the intrusion of the European settlers.

I really enjoy many historical novels and this one was no exception. I wasn’t sure I would like it because I know enough about the hardships of 19th century England to not actively seek it out. Roman era and the middle ages are more my cup of tea.

I will read more of Lorina Stephens work. There is a vividness about her writing that I really enjoy.

Shadow Song is available in print and eBook from most online sites and for order from your local bookstore.(less)

May 13, 2013 08:00am · see review

Michell Plested rated a book 4 of 5 stars