K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 21

Book review: Melissa H Coleman – Hidden City of Alchemy (@melhnorthauthor)

In Melissa H Coleman’s, Hidden City of Alchemy, Albert has been watching Lizzy for two [image error]years, protecting her from the shadows, but when she fled wearing the blue ring he knew he had failed. With her mother missing, and a family secret that could spell the end of all, Lizzie must quickly discover her heritage, a past shrouded in riddles, and possessing secrets she could not even imagine. She cannot do it alone, luckily with Albert beside her, and those sworn to protect history’s secret, she will have support, but when faced with an enemy with endless resources and no conscience, the path will be more difficult than she could ever imagine.

Melissa H. Coleman’s Hidden City of Alchemy offers a unique writing style which switches between narration and third person, with the narrator added snippets sometimes during the third-person perspective. While not a fan of this particular style it was executed well, in a way that would appeal to a younger reader, but the action and maturity of some scenes steer it more to a young adult audience. The plot is filled with mystery and secrets from the start, some of which begin unfolding with the plot. I enjoyed the steampunk setting, and how the author created that book with a nice balance, mentioning the things often associated with steampunk, without it becoming overpowering to the book and plot. Lizzie’s journey is wrought with peril, danger, and uncertainty, and watching her solve clues and riddles to unlock the secrets of her ancestor’s past and the present danger was gripping. In a way, it reminded me in parts of The Davinci Code, The Ninth Gate, and Angels and Demons, in the sense they all are filled with riddles, high stakes, action and mystery. Hidden City of Alchemy offers the reader an enjoyable and entertaining adventure, where stakes are high and danger lurks around every bend.

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Book review: S. Lynn Helton – Power Awry

In S. Lynn Helton’s Power Awry Namid is busying herself helping to rebuild her former [image error]home, Rhadanthus, which was turned to all most ruin following the wake of her former adventure. With winter drawing in, time to create a safe shelter was running out, but little did she know the coming of Spring would bring more than just new blossoms. New enemies also appear, and new schemes. Forced to flee following a brutal attack, Namid finds herself returning to her family home, only to discover someone there has already made plans for her return and ascension to the throne. Her only hope is to find the whereabouts of the true heir, her missing brother, but after so many years the trail has grown cold, and with the long-spanning plans of former enemies she wonders if finding him is truly for the best, especially when all she leaves in her wake appears to be death and destruction.

Power Awry is the second book in S. Lynn Helton’s Wild Heritance series. While I have had the pleasure of reading the first book, it was not essential for me to have previous knowledge of the plot to fully enjoy the story. In this book we see the return of characters from the previous one, all with different but essential roles to be performed. I enjoyed watching the alteration, conflict, and growth as they are forced onto this new path. The interesting forms of magic will appease lovers of fantasy, as does the continuation of the magnificent world-building witnessed in the first book. Adventure, tension, insecurities, and manipulation fuel this action-packed read. While partially answered questions about certain pasts are hinted at, leaving the reader eager to learn more about things once buried in the past. There are a few surprises to be uncovered, and the promise of further danger still to come. An enjoyable and entertaining read from beginning to end.

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Darrienia: A Fantasy Adventure

A wonderful review of Darrienia by the amazing people at Literary Titan (@LiteraryTitan). a big thank you to them for taking the time to read my work x

LITERARY TITAN

‘Darrienia: A Fantasy Adventure (Forgotten Legacies Book 1)’ is a perfect novel for readers who love fantasy and young adult fiction. The mild action in the book, great characterization, and swift development of the plot are some of the features that made the reading experience worthwhile. The reader is taken on an expansive adventure where only Elly knows the destination.

K.J. Simmill’s style of describing events paints vivid pictures for the reader to visualize the story. I love how bravery emerged from some unexpected characters. We’re introduced to Elly at the start of the book. She has lived many lives and has been through numerous experiences in her life. One of the most memorable things she had accomplished was to assist Marise, the aggressive assassin she had trained. I liked Elly because she seemed sharp and smarter than most.

I like how diverse K.J. Simmill’s characters are. They gradually, and…

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Book review: D.W. Saur – The Last Christmas (@DW_Saur)

In D.W. Saur’s, The Last Christmas, three suitcases were all Sara’s life had amounted to, [image error]and these had been waiting for her on the porch when she got home, along with a note from her husband terminating their marriage. Without a plan, she got in her car and drove. She had no idea where she was going, but when she saw the for sale sign she knew fate had led her here, to a place she remembered as a child. The old Christmas tree farm had long seen better days, but when the owner gave her an offer too good to refuse she knew she would do everything it would take to restore this old family farm to its former glory. This would be her legacy, and with its Christmas magic, perhaps it would bring something to her new life her old one lacked.

The Last Christmas is a romance novel written by author D.W. Saur. Sara is left alone, homeless and almost penniless after her husband changes the locks. Chance, happenstance, and some exceedingly good fortune follow Sara as she starts her new life, free labour, a job, a loan, all falls into place for her as she tries to revive the farm through hard work and imagination. This is a straightforward story, sweet in its simplicity as she navigates any issues with support and ease, and the relationship between her and Jack grows. Personally, I would have liked more depth from the characters, and felt like I was witnessing them falling in love rather than being told it happened. Community comradery, dreams, and love are central to this endearing tale. I enjoyed the setting and watching Sara’s dream come alive. I also appreciated how this started and finished as a tale being told by Sara to her own family, so from the start we see how her hard work became her happily ever after.

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Book review: Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait – Ashera of Kingswood (@CherylRushCowp1)

In Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait’s, Ashera of Kingswood, the forest known as Kingswood [image error]had been cried by Ashera’s own tears and those of her mother. She had protected it, guarded its inhabitants, and looked after the people. But all that changed when the king took a wife. An unnatural winter descended across the land bringing suffering and hardship to both city and forest dwellers alike. With no other choice, Ashera journeys to the city, hoping to still the neverending winter and confront the one who brought it upon them. But who is she to stand in the way of a god who appears to have entered an accord with the queen before the death of her husband. Unlike the good king, the queen cares nothing for her subjects, they go cold and hungry for her amusement. Something has to change, and Ashera vows to see things returned to how they should be, no matter the cost, but little does she know there is another danger approaching, one that once took everything she loved from her, and now it’s back for more.

Ashera of Kingswood is a fairytale fantasy novel by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait centring around the city of Greenwood and Kingswood forest. With enchanting world-building complete with magic and magical creatures, readers will find the charm they expect from a fairytale, combined with the magic, danger, and whimsy known to the fantasy genre. It was fun watching the plot and dangers unfold as well as bearing witness to the alteration in characters as they are tempered by events. Old gods, ancient secrets, and an age-old grudge breathe depth into the scenes and conjure a sense of increasing urgency as everything is put on the line. I found the interactions between Ashera and Tamel sweet as their mutual affection begins to blossom and grow. A sweet, simple, fairytale that will delight and entertain.

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Book review: Jennifer Chase – Her Last Whisper (@JChaseNovelist)

In Jennifer Chase’s, Her Last Whisper, Katie has just started her role as a cold-case [image error]detective. After two deployments in Afghanistan, she was ready for something else, even if her undiagnosed PTSD was unwilling the release its grasp on her. Her first case was only six months old, a kidnapping. Throwing herself into the investigation she is determined to close this, unaware the quest the kidnapper was pursuing was still underway. Her cold case soon becomes red hot as murder and another kidnapping ensue. Katie is determined to solve this, to unravel the clues and evidence before it is too late. But someone is watching her, leaving her strange notes, do they know more than they are willing to say or is the killer toying with her? One thing is for sure, she is determined to get to the bottom of it, and nothing will get in her way.

Her Last Whisper is an entertaining multi-faceted crime drama and the second book in Jennifer Chase’s Detective Katie Scott series. While book number two it works perfectly as a stand-alone read. With love, mystery, and suspense the reader will find it easy to become engaged with Kaitie’s investigation. This crime fiction combines romance, with police investigations, life as a former soldier, and even a touch on K-9 training. Katie is a great main character with a rich and believable personality. Her commitment to the case becomes her central focus, and her determination and perseverance are just a few of her admirable qualities. I enjoyed watching everything come together as the plot takes shape, and how experience in other investigations and situations helped to shape her discovery. Clearly, a tremendous effort went into ensuring this was a realistic and believable plot and setting which is further enhanced by the talented storytelling capabilities of the author and their writing style. Mystery, intrigue, danger, will tantalise a reader’s imagination in this can’t put down read.

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Book review: Sarah Ashwood – Knight’s Rebirth (@1sarahashwood)

In Sarah Ashwood’s Knight’s Rebirth, Sir Buckhunter Dornley was renowned. He [image error]travelled, attend tournaments and came away victorious. Women fawned over the knight, men spoke of his great deeds, and yet no one was ever able to catch his eye. There was a reason for this, of course, he loved his life of hunting dragons, adventures, and freedom. The last thing he wanted was to be ensnared by a woman’s wiles. He would take their favours, but nothing more, with his winnings in hand he would quickly depart, not daring to linger in case he found himself wed and trapped. For years this had worked, for years he had been happy with his life, until fate placed a princess in the place he sought rest. Little did he know the danger of loving her, what he must do to earn her hand, and what he would have to sacrifice for love.

Knight’s Rebirth is an unusual spin of fairytale romance and magic by Sarah Ashwood. Sir Buckhunter Dornley is an arrogant, egocentric man, skilled with his weapon and sharp with his tongue. The true theme of this story is the metamorphosis possible through love. Watching this man change and grow through the influence of Princess Mercy was a wonderful adventure, almost as much as the quest he must undertake to prove himself worthy. I enjoyed how the tale was dictated as a first-person recounting, the reason for which becomes more apparent at the end. I also favoured the unique touch of the narrator’s, aka Sir Buck’s, break from the story at the start of each chapter to provide his own thoughts and take on events. Love, change, challenges, and a touch of magic make this an endearing read, while mystery, action, and danger keep the reader hooked.

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Book review: Nicholas Woode-Smith – Part-Time Monster Hunter (@Zaggeta)

In Nicholas Woode-Smith‘s Part-Time Monster Hunter, Kat Drummond was a novelty at [image error]first. She was young and her rates were the cheapest. They had to be, she needed to pay rent and eat, not to mention find the money to study. Life as a monster hunter, even a part-time one, was challenging. If not for the ghostly knight, who had become tethered to her in a time of need, she probably wouldn’t have survived. Balancing her two lives at times seemed impossible, not to mention trying to find a lead on the person responsible for the death of her parents. She hopes to avenge them, but first, she must do what she can, and with the number of undead rising, and a new necromancer on the scene, Kat is once more drawn into the centre stage, hoping to put a stop to the terror that plagues her home, and maybe find some answers along the way.

Part-Time monster hunter is the first book in Nicholas Woode-Smith‘s Kat Drummond series. This beautifully straight-forward plot engages the reader from start to finish, taking them along on the journey of Kat’s life, told mainly from her first-person perspective. A lot of thought and imagination has been invested in this post-cataclysmic world, from mythos and monsters, to the alteration in lifestyles, work, and danger. I loved how the class divide was portrayed, how evil manifested, and the growing sense of tension. Kat is a kick-ass protagonist, young, bursting with attitude and moxie, and perhaps sometimes more fearless, and blinded by her own rage, than is good for her. I enjoyed following her story. The supporting roles played by her close friends, and contacts only proved to further enhance the plot. If you’re looking for a supernatural, action-packed, heart-pounding read, full of magic and chaos, with a strong female lead then give this book a whirl.

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Book review: K.F Breene – Born in Fire (@KFBreene)

Reagan Somerset guarded a secret. It was the reason both the shifters and the humans [image error]wanted her, but she had kept the truth of her heritage a secret a long time, and she wasn’t about to sacrifice that for the promise of a steady job. Of course, this left her only one option, to be a freelance bounty hunter, only able to take the most dangerous jobs, those that the people earning a regular paycheck would cast aside as too dangerous. She scraped by, but when an elder vampire stole her mark she was left in a precarious situation, and as if goading her, this bounty-thief presents an offer she would be a fool to refuse, especially in the absence of any paying work. A threat is taking the magic community by storm, but to become involved is to risk revealing who and what she really is, especially since part of the deal is she has to work close to a vampire, and everyone knows vampires can’t be trusted.

K.F Breene’s Born in Fire is a wonderful addition to the paranormal genre. Reagan, the main character, is kick-ass, powerful, overflowing with moxie, and an instantly appealing character. The first-person narrative gives the reader a chance to become fully invested in her and events as they unfold while allowing is to start to piece together the secret she has been hiding for so long. Watching the alteration in the relationship as vampire and bounty hunter are forced into difficult situations is an entertaining as the main plot itself. Mystery, intrigue, danger, and excitement make up the action-packed, sometimes comical adventure. With strong characters and a gripping plot, Born in Fire ticks all the boxes a paranormal tale should, including some amazing world-building and divides.

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Help needed

Hi everyone. I hope you are all well.

I don’t normally use my blog as a means for begging, often it is centred around book [image error]reviews to help raise awareness of other authors’ work, today, however, I have a favour to ask of you.

 

I have a chance to get my book, Darrienia, made into a film through Tale Flick Discovery, but I have to get the most votes.

I have until this time on Friday 26th to try to get around 2000 votes (based on previous winners) This is by no means going to be an easy feat, but I am hoping with your combined help and influence I could be in with a chance.

To help me out, please drop by