K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 20

Book review: Erik Henry Vick’s -Arms Dealers (@BerserkErik)

In Erik Henry Vick’s Arms Dealers, werewolf and coffee-addict Leery Oriscoe had his [image error]work cut out for him when an unlikely pair of supernaturals team up to dismember a couple of mundanes. Hot on their trail he and his partner, Dru, have no idea what they are being dragged into. Beyond these seemingly innocent attacks is something more dastardly than they could have imagined. They thought they were dealing with some small-time villains, but come to discover just how high up this runs when their investigation leads straight to the leader of the zombie mafia, and she has her own story to tell.

Arms Dealers is episode 2 of  Erik Henry Vick’s Claw and Warder. I enjoyed the amalgamation of so many types of supernaturals, from the Norwegian forest trolls to Japanese demon spirits, and all these amazing creatures were found in the same local, under the watchful eye of Lieutenant Van Helsing. The banter between characters was brilliantly executed portraying different levels of complex relationships. Sometimes I couldn’t help but grin at a well-spun conversation, let alone how creatures’ unique traits or weaknesses are invoked to further the investigation. I enjoyed the third-person narrative and how the high-pressure roles were portrayed, including the clashing of heads over things like jurisdiction and unwanted pressure from those higher up. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and really enhanced this investigative fiction as they dig themselves deeper into trouble and paint more than a few extra targets on their backs. With fresh enemies being made at every turn, a possible mole in the department, knowing who to trust is but one of their many building problems, and one of many things that will keep a reader engaged in this suspenseful investigation.

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Book review: Tanor Costa – Dawn of the Cloaks (@Tanor_Costa)

For years there had been relative peace. The Hamen line ruled. With Eloy on the throne, [image error]things appeared calm. But how things appear upon the surface speak nothing of the undercurrents. War is coming, and it will take no prisoners,  except for those held within its thrall. Eloy is about to discover that there is more to his land and magic than he imagined, and more dangers than he could foresee even in his most terrible nightmares. Ancient beasts thought only fables bend to the will of his enemy, and their armies are powerful, set not only on erasing his line but all humanity itself. Can they stand against such a powerful force, and if so at what cost? There is more to events than Eloy knows, and more at stake than he could fathom.

Tanot Costa’s Dawn of the Cloaks is the second book in The Wars of Reckoning Saga. Having read the first I had eagerly awaited this next instalment and it did not disappoint. I loved the vivid cast of unique and interesting characters, all set upon their own course. Similar goals become separate movements as war approaches. The balance between action and plot progression is achieved perfectly. I couldn’t help but be fully invested in the characters’ plights, waiting with bated breath to see what Costa’s skilled hand has in store for them. Amazing descriptions combine with a truly epic plot that moves from strength to strength as the characters are forced to grow and change based on their own experiences. Readers of the first book are rewarded with the return of familiar characters as the new generation faces unprecedented challenges. Action, violence, and heart-pounding action combine with strong characters and an involved plot. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three, especially given everything that has unfolded.

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Book review: Susan Shumsky – The Big Book of Chakras and Chakra Healing (@AwakenToGod)

The chakras are a fundamental part of the energy system, but their impact in everyday [image error]life is often overlooked or misunderstood. The aim of Susan Shumsky’s, The Big Book of Chakras and Chakra Healing is to dispel fiction and false beliefs while starting the reader on their journey of truth and understanding, including everyday applications. Be prepared for a journey into mind, body, and spirit, to learn about energies, and become more spiritually aware. This book is the first step on a never-ending journey of betterment, understanding, and growth.

I have been a practising Reiki master / holistic therapist for over fifteen years now, and I am always seeking to further and refresh my knowledge because it is a path of continual learning and development. As the book rightly says, you can’t just complete training and say your an expert, after all, many dedicate their entire lives and still realise how little they truly know. Susan Shumsky’s The Big Book of Chakras and Chakra Healing is an amazing, engaging, and insightful read for anyone seeking to look beyond the surface of what has quickly become a mainstream buzzword and fashionable statement. While the popularisation of chakras has done it the service of returning it to the public eye, very few look into what they actually mean, represent, and affect. Even working with Reiki you are given just the basic understandings, but this book goes beyond that, and as such is an essential and informative read for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding. I enjoyed the presentation of this book, how it made the topics and contents accessible even to those with little knowledge and built up from there. The way it also follows the author’s own exposure and journey makes it easy for a reader to engage, stripping away the text-book feel many non-fiction, educational books possess. This felt like a personal read, involving the reader and drawing them into the author’s life, while also delving deep into the topic and discussing many of its aspects. I found the topics insightful and informative, rekindling old studies and offering new insights and perspectives. The author draws upon supportive literature and quotes to really help drive home a point, and instead of focusing solely on one aspect, takes into account a broad spectrum of religions, all which make the same fundamental point, the body is a temple. Those with a wide knowledge will enjoy seeing how this book brings everything together, while it may seem overwhelming for a novice in places, it will be an amazing reference as skills and understanding develop. This book shows a well-considered presentation and care is taken to explain, nurture, and help the reader to grow. I rarely read non-fiction unless it is around this genre, and this is one of the most enjoyable and educational I have read recently. It will certainly keep a place in my library for years to come.

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Book review: Christy English – The Slow Rise of Clara Daniels (@ChristyEnglish)

Clara had savoured the attention of her distant mother, but her affection became even [image error]more scarce when she started seeing Darren. Her family’s ability to be able to read people’s thoughts had warned what kind of man he was. She wondered why her mother hadn’t seen it too. After all, the gift ran in the family. Seeking the love and adoration of others she pursues a career in stardom, knowing she will make those who believe in her rich, but first, she must find a means to enter the scene and ensure all she wants comes to pass.

Christy English’s The Slow Rise of Clara Daniels is a supernatural drama following the life of Clara, a famous actress and her journey to fame. Written in an easy flowing third person narrative it is easy to enjoy the ride, and the dates at the start of each chapter made the varying timeline easy to track as we go from childhood to fame and back. I enjoyed Clara’s diva character and how she portrayed the image of a classy Hollywood star. The use of her gift is limited, and targeted toward propelling her in the career of adoration she seeks and thrives on. I enjoyed following her trials, watching as she solved the issues before her to ensure she had what she wanted, and found something she wasn’t even expecting.

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Book review: B. Roman’s Before the Boy (@BMoonSinger1)

Billie Nickerson hadn’t been ready to die, but what parent is? This was different though, [image error]it hadn’t been her time, she hadn’t yet fulfilled the duty to her son and passed on all he would need to know, all that would make him the hero the future yearned for. A simple mistake ensured the karmic balance, and the very path of the future was turned askew, she died when she should have lived. And now, with no way to bridge the realms between them she must do all she can to ensure that David’s future becomes that he was destined for.

B. Roman’s Before the Boy is a supernatural tale of a mother’s love and is the prequel to their Moon Singer trilogy. The book focuses on Billie, the difficulties she has to overcome to not only find love but ensure the future of those she eventually left behind. It was entertaining to watch Billie both in life and death as she fixates on what will and must be, and bearing witness to her metamorphosis really helped to develop her character. Love, trials, and challenges will keep a reader entertained and also creates an air of curiosity about the events that will follow.

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Book review: D. B. Sieders – Raising The Dead (@DBSieders)

In D.B. Sieders’ Raising the Dead, Vivian had not asked for this life. She had not asked to [image error]be alive, yet trapped between the world of the living and dead. She came into this gift following an agreement, a debt she had taken on in the hope to spare someone she loved. Her powers were meant to help the guardians, bring peace to the spirits left roaming the land, and ease the burdens of others and the transition between the two worlds, but the act of her helping the living as well is ruffling more than a few feathers. Threats and danger surround her as someone watches, judging her, deeming her unfit to be a guardian as she uses her skills to ease the suffering of others. This rogue guardian has decided to take things into their own hands, they had warned her, but now will ensure she suffers. Humans do not belong working aside guardians, and it is a  situation they intend to remedy.

D.B Sieders’ Raising the Dead is the second book in the Soul Boker series and an engrossing addition to the paranormal/supernatural genre. I loved the mechanics of this book, from the divide between reapers and guardians, to the hidden similarities between their work. All is not well in the spiritworld, and poor Vivian is caught in the crosshairs. So much is expected of her, and whilst she is technically freelance, the guardians frown in her helping of the spirits who have not yet crossed, forcing her to help others in secret and to deal with the reaper, Lazarus Darkmore, in order to cover her tracks. I enjoyed the relationship between her and Darkmore, and their adapting relationship as the plot intensifies. Vivian is supported by a strong cast of characters, both living and departed, who help her grow and understand more about herself and, in turn, are subjected to her own council. I found the third-person writing style flowed seamlessly and combined an expert mix of description, settings, and character interaction. Surprises await and darkness lurks as Vivian’s journey unfolds into a plot wrought with danger, heartache, betrayal, and mystery. Having not read the first book in the series, I can confidently say that the book works well as a stand-alone, and any missing information is seamlessly added to give the reader a complete experience.

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Book review: S F Benson – Cursed Hearts (@BensonShantella)

In S F Benson’s Cursed Hearts Kelsie wanted more in her life than what her species [image error]allowed. She had grown up surrounded by humans hearing tales of love, and she wanted it for her own. But succubi weren’t allowed such emotions, and with her abilities being uncontrolled it seemed the was fated to become a consort. She had lost all hope until she met Victor. She was drawn to him like no other, a feeling he seemed to reciprocate. But no one had warned them what could happen, why their two species were incompatible. A single kiss sealed their fate, cursing them and setting the council and supernatural world into chaos. Can their love survive centuries of hatred and resentment, or will they be torn apart, undone by the curse which threatens both their futures?

Cursed Hearts is the first book in S F Benson’s Hearts Duology series. This is a sweet addition to the paranormal romance genre and brings the reader into a town where supernatural live amongst humans, guarding their secret yet living in their world. Kelsie is a strong-willed sixteen-year-old with idealistic views of what she wants from life. She has immersed herself within the human world, befriending them and seeking the same things from her life that seem to come to them so easily. Her newly awakening powers are causing more harm than good, a kiss can mean death, and with her emotions running rampant her brother, Cash, is left to clean up after his sister, lest she faces the judgement of the council who govern these beings. It was nice seeing her character evolve and the first-person perspective from both her and Victor added an extra layer to the forming if their relationship, drawing the reader deeper into the world of differences and persecution. Their complicated cross-species romance is beautiful in its simplicity, the easy flowing style just takes the reader along for the ride as they try to discover what they want, and how they can live in a world which seems stacked against them. Forbidden love, danger, and ancient magic take you along on a journey of two soul mates, destined to be each other’s curse.

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Book review: Crysta Levere – Vitaltiy (@LevereCrysta)

In Crysta Levere’s Vitality, at nineteen Ava was starting over, again. Lured to Aberdeen [image error]by a voice heard as whispers in the throes of madness. She is determined to put her unstable past behind her. Here no one knows her past, her hardships, her secrets. She was doing fine too until her housemate took her to an underground party and she laid eyes upon him. There was something about the dark-haired man that captured her attention, breeding an obsession as he consumes her thoughts. But he was perfection, and she was broken, held together by tape and madness. She is drawn to him like a moth to a flame, his dark presence fuel for the fire of her madness as he haunts her day and night. He wants to possess her, now she longs to be his but fears his embrace would destroy all. Little does she know the truth, like her madness, plays close to the surface. How much of herself will she be willing to give, how much will he dare take when he realises she is more than he imagined possible.

Crysta Levere’s Vitality is an unusual addition to the paranormal/ supernatural genre. It touches on things commonly associated with the genre and a healthy twist of something different. In this atmospheric tale, you are truly pulled down the rabbit hole and into the mouth of madness as you follow Ava’s journey into the depths of insanity and beyond. Filled with symbology and representations of walking the line between madness and sanity, where nothing is ever quite what it seems, fiction and truth become askew and confusion runs riot. Ava portrays a great strength of character, altering as her experience and alliances both temper and unravel her, opening her up to the part of herself she had closed off from everything. Many of the descriptions and conversations in this book are almost poetic in their imagery and philosophical musings, while her growing friendship with her housemates reveals another side to the tale. Confusion, mystery, longing, desperation, and deception weave throughout this three-part story and you’ll be dying to know how everything ends.

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Book review: Alan W Thompson – Abomination Desolation (@CrtnAbomination)

In Alan W Thompson’s Abomination Desolation, William had sacrificed almost [image error]everything to destroy Cenetics. Even his wife had looked upon him with disgust as she realised what he had done. He had been labelled a terrorist and placed in a facility where visitors were forbidden. A vision warned him of what is still to come, that all he had done had not produced the results he needed. Somehow Cenetics was as strong as ever, continuing the research that they had stolen and twisted to their own design. By the time he is allowed a visitor he worries it is already too late, heaven and hell are at war and the end is coming. They cannot prevent the inevitable but, perhaps, if they act now they can delay it.

Alan W Thompson’s Abomination Desolation is the second book in the Creation Abomination series. Although I have read the first book I can confidently state it also works well as a stand-alone read. This merging of Christian fiction, sci-fi, and thriller is perfectly executed. Despite its Christianity orientated vein I never felt like religion was being forced or oversaturated. It was used as a means to create a compelling narrative and advance the plot which focuses on the approach of the end of days. I thought the translation of other languages by annotation was a really nice touch, allowing the reader to see the meaning without having to load up translate on their kindle or pc. With high stakes, action, and a growing threat, William, Rich, and Tara are thrust into a fast-paced race against the Devil himself. Its descriptive narrative leaves no question as to the settings and events as they unfold, and while you meet characters from the former book, you are also introduced to new and interesting beings as events unfold. Action, suspense, and a ticking clock ensure you won’t want to look away while the unique plot and great characters will keep you engaged. The end of days was always predicted, but can their actions delay that which is inevitable?

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Book review: Ed Ryder – Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer (@Ed_Ryder7)

In Ed Ryder’s Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer Jack’s future was determined by a rather [image error]unique case, forever changing his life, and that of his future clients. He knows more about demon contract law than any other, especially since most lawyers wouldn’t take such a contract seriously. This time, however, he has bitten off more than he can chew. What seemed to be a simple contract turns dastardly when the ramifications of the act are considered. Desperate to help annul this deal he finds himself pulled straight into the centre of an inner-circle power struggle, with more on the line than even the high-stake Vegas players are willing to bet.

Ed Ryder’s, Jack Gilmour: Wish Lawyer is an atmospheric, first-person supernatural tale. It is a little like a Dick Tracy style gumshoe tale, combined with hard-hitting supernatural and magical influence. I have enjoyed Jack’s personality and found his old-school detective style, it added a real charm to the plot and his character. Investigation, danger, revelation and an impending sense of dread fill the pages of this novel as Jack gets drawn deeper into matters far above his oat grade, but if he wants to survive, and protect the things he cares for, then he has no choice but to unravel the deception and schemes before it is too late. I thought the supporting cast complimented Jack well, from magic to mobster, each bring something to the proverbial table. Gripping, thrilling, and a real treat for those who enjoy a character-driven entertaining plot.

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