K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 22

Book review: Odd Voices – @oddvoiceout

Odd Voices is a collection of short stories like no other. For too long protagonists have [image error]been cut from the same cloth, but not here, gone are the cookie-cutter leads, replaced with beautifully diverse characters and they take you through their own tales, from poverty and love, to survival and magic. You will be whisked away on stories impossible if not for the authors’ common desire to break away from normality and challenge themselves into writing something unique, magical in its own way, and perhaps even daring as they dig into part of themselves that the young adult literacy world is still at the very start of embracing.

There is so much to like about Odd Voices. Being a compilation of different author’s work the reader is presented with a great diversity in writing styles, and plots, but all have a common theme, a protagonist who would normally be left in the shadows. These stories not only bring these people into the spotlight breaking away from cookie-cutter characters, but address things often overlooked, such as how people beyond the scope of societies ‘normal’ not only face the same daily issues, but have an entire another area of consideration, whether it be fear of rejection due to sexual preferences, belittlement due to differences, or how far someone would go to survive or live. These tales really help to put you, the reader, in the centre of thought processes you may not have even considered. My personal favourites were Oblivisci and A Last Meal of Magic, but with such a wide variety of style and tales, there really is something for everyone. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and a breath of fresh air from run of the mill characters.

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Book review: Amethyst Creek – The Return of the Scoundrel

In Amethyst Creek’s, The Return of the Scoundrel, Libby would never have found out [image error]about the teaching post if not for her brother in Leadville. Eager to begin a new life and role, she moves to the expanding city, stopping by to thank her brother on the way through. But it seems her life is set to change in more than one way as her path crosses with her brother’s friend, Richard Rutledge. This smooth man navigates his way to her affections with ease, showing a flattering interest in her life and new position. While in Greeley, she catches the eye of another man, Joseph. But one of these men has their own interests at heart in befriending her, their own agenda and desires in which she is just a pawn to be used. Will she uncover the secrets that lie in wait, or will she be swept along for a ride of revenge?

Amethyst Creek’s, The Return of the Scoundrel has a very complete and holistic feel to it. Within the pages, you get a keen insight into the trade, foundations of the town and city, and the community along with their beliefs and attitudes. I enjoyed how the accessible equipment accurately reflected the era, and how it was used to set scenes and build an atmosphere which either gave us more insight into the town or the people. It is clear a lot of research went into crafting this and making it as realistic as possible, from the notes about mining, to the production of butter, you are really given a sense of the time, resources, and the way of life. There are many characters building the community, and while we learn of many the central role is taken by a few, allowing the reader to become more familiar with their part in the story. The slow pace allows a wealth of information to be passed along, as the plot of growth and expansion is intertwined with threads of love and affection. The manner in which this was written it could easily be a true story, rather than a fiction with a foot in past events, and based on the notes in the back there are some subtle parts that were based on real events and people. Romance, manipulation, and unity make up this historical fiction and will give anyone reading a quick glimpse into a time long passed.

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Book Review: S. Lynn Helton – Duplicity of Power

In S. Lynn Helton’s Duplicity of Power, Namid had spent a long time hiding who she was. [image error]She had left that life behind and embraced her place in the Shadowers. But when her path crossed with the son of a renowned lord her life would be forever altered. He had something unusual in his possession, and sheer chance saw her rescue him from the brink of death, only to be plunged headfirst into chaos and adventure as a long-forgotten threat destroys all she knows and loves. Partnered with unusual allies, on an unbelievable quest which could hold the fate of the six realms in the balance, she must not only confront her past but utilise the very things she kept buried. An old god, once thought vanquished, appears to be rising in power, and the only hope rests on a band of unlikely heroes, rouges and nobles, working in unison to overcome the obstacles that lie in wait.

Duplicity of Power is the first book in S. Lynn Helton’s Wild Heritance series. I have to admit, right from the start this was exactly the kind of epic fantasy I wanted to read. I was hooked from page one, and brought into an imaginative world of guilds, gods, and thieves, where the dark setting is lifted only by the vibrant characters we find within. I loved the complexities of Namid and Aahmes’ relationship, and how the group thrust together by fate are tempered and evolve through the struggles, challenges, and opposition they faced. The way they go from a segregated group, thrust together by coincidence, to comrades is beautifully portrayed, and I appreciated how every character had their own secrets, some more poignant than others, most of which are revealed as part of the plot. I found the writing style engaging and the world-building imaginative with an excellent magic system in place and the perfect building of tension and atmosphere right to the climax. Action, adventure, strife, and struggles, intertwine with a plot of secrets, mysteries, and friendship in a tale that will leave any lover of fantasy satisfied and wanting more, and due to how much I loved this tale, and how I felt this book offered readers something special, Duplicity of Power has been added to my own, exclusive, recommended books list.

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Book review: Ellen C. maze – The Judging (@authorellenmaze )

In Ellen C. Maze’s, The Judging, Mark was doing the work of God. Those who committed [image error]atrocities were brought to his attention and judged, and given a chance of redemption before he sent them to the afterlife. This was what he had told himself for centuries, he was not a vampire, despite some similarities to these monsters, he could live with what he did in service of his Lord. It wasn’t until Hope entered his life he began to doubt his purpose, question where the messages about who was to be judged came from. She, the one who had been promised to him, sent his world into a spin, tearing apart his control and everything he thought he knew. As his distant past once more comes into focus he is faced with a horrifying truth, and forced to question if a monster like himself could ever be accepted into the heart of the god he had once so devoutly served.

Ellen C. Maze’s, The Judging, is the first book in The Corescu Chronicles Paranormal series. Having read another one of her books, Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider, I loved reading one of the books which created such a stir in this alternative series. This Christian fiction possesses a small cast of strong characters who know precisely what they want, even if it sometimes goes against their better judgement. It was so easy to lose myself in the atmosphere of this work, from the settings to the plot the carefully structured and developed scenes will leave you both wondering and dreading what could unfold next. Manipulation, deception, and intrigue fill the pages as you read a tale which is both hopeful and despairing, while never quite knowing how the cards will fall. I particularly liked the alteration in Mark and Paul’s characters as the story advanced, both changing in unexpected ways as they seek answers from alternative sources. I enjoyed this contrast, and how ultimately, this was a tale of hope, forgiveness, and perseverance.

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Book review: Ruth Mitchell – Deleted (@literallyruth)

Spex were not just a trend, they were a way of life. The world was yours and with a [image error]thought, knowledge was at your fingertips. Thanks to Marcus’ app, never did you have to worry about forgetting a name again. Of course, there are some people who relish obscurity, who have found a hack not just for this high tech equipment, but for the brain itself. Unfortunately for him, Lucy, one of the few people not to wear Spex, has seen his face. Nick had spent a long time erasing himself from the memories of others, keeping his work secret, but now there was someone he couldn’t hack, and he had no choice to find her, but first, he must make sure no one is looking for her, that no one notices she is missing. Removed from the memories of her loved ones, Lucy finds herself on the run, trying to save her memories, and her new relationship with Marcus, a man who doesn’t remember her yet desperately wants to. Can she stay one step ahead of technology when her hunter has eyes literally everywhere, or will she lose who she is, her memories, or worse? Find out in Ruth Mitchell’s, Deleted.

Deleted, by Ruth Mitchell is a fearful rollercoaster of a tale highlighting the dangers of technological dependence and its devastating potential to change how the world is viewed. With philosophical undertones woven into an intense and gripping plot, you will not only find yourself whisked away on Lucy’s desperate plight to preserve all she holds dear, but question what it is that makes a person, and if events that cannot be recalled are destined to repeat themselves when the lesson from them was learnt but forgotten. Lucy’s character was well-developed, and I loved watching her grow and alter through the tragic relationship between her and Marcus. You can’t help but root for these star crossed lovers, as they find and lose each other, but never quite forget. A beautiful tale filled with action, romance, adventure, danger, and manipulation, perfect for readers who like to become invested in the characters they come to know and love.

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Book review: Shakeil Kanish & Larissa Mandeville – The Sigil

In Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville’s, The Sigil, we meet Lake, who idolised his [image error]brother, he was everything he aspired to be. Brilliant, clever, successful. So when tragedy strikes, Lake’s world is torn apart in more ways than he can imagine. Through his grief he encounters a secret his brother had been harbouring, another world, within their own, one where magic is real. Lake found his brother’s invitation to a special school, and with Dev lost, his parents in mourning, and no prospects of his own, Lake decides to accept the invitation in his brother’s stead. Little did he know what he was getting into. His presence caused a stir, and things not seen for a long time begin to emerge, threatening the existence of both worlds.

Shakeil Kanish and Larissa Mandeville’s The Sigil is a gripping urban fantasy suitable for new adults and older. In places, this well-devised novel reminded me of a cross between the tv series the Magicians, and Earthsea. Lake, A boy unaware of magic’s reality, is taken to a secret school for those who have the necessary genes to use faeri, and through his first-person perspective, coupled with Nova’s, the reader is thrust into an imaginative world of magic, mayhem, and danger. Within this escalating plot is also a tale of friendship and healing, deception and betrayal. The characters are well created, with deep, unique, and vivid personalities. There are scenes that will move you to tears, and surprises in store that leave you amazed. Whimsical, magical, and moving, this will appeal to a wide range of fantasy lovers, especially those who enjoy character-driven plots.

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Book review: Taylor Caley -Whispers of Sikar (@aeonverse)

Lydia had started her path with the purest intentions. Her sister, Adea, had been plagued [image error]with terrifying nightmares, which only seemed to grow worse. When forbidden topics and hidden knowledge surface, Lydia believes she has found a way to cure her sister, to ease her suffering. Little did she know this path was the start of something more, a step into a world of darkness she could never imagine, and once upon the path, there can be no turning back, but with such temptations and power at her fingertips, would she even want to?

Whispers of Sikar is the first book in Taylor Caley’s Circle of Ice and occurs over the span of several years. Possessing a steady pace and engaging characters, readers bear witness to the evolution of the two main characters, Lydia and Adea as they are drawn into things they don’t understand. Atmospheric and tense with great scene setting and escalation. Entertaining, dark, and filled with a sense of dread that will keep you reading.

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Book review: T N Traynor – Idi and the Oracle’s Quest (@tracy_traynor)

When an innocent dalliance, masked in deception, ends with murder, the king has some [image error]difficult decisions to make. For the good of his kingdom, he must abandon his daughter, keep her, and the baby she carries, from sight and mind, but her exile brings further danger as dark magic consumes the land, rekindling threats once forgotten. Meanwhile, the great magician, Marcus, is given an important quest, he is to find a young boy dubbed Idi by those of his town. Orphaned at a young age, Idi soon became an outlet for the town’s animosity, and no matter how he tried he could never leave. Never would he have imagined such a future awaited him. Never could he believe he was destined for greatness. It is said he will grow to be a great magician and protect the future king, but first, he must find him, but there are others who want to bend this infant to their own whim, leading him down a darker path. Can Idi discover the magic within and walk the path of greatness, or will evil continue to expand its grasp upon the kingdom?

Idi and the Oracle’s Quest is a fantasy fiction by T N Traynor. One of the most memorable things about this novel is the underlying message, through the downtrodden, undermined Idi we learn anything is possible through belief. conditioned into believing he is worthless it takes a lot for Marcus to instil in him confidence and self-appreciation, and it is during this the great journey unfolds. Magic combines with action, adventure, and manipulation to craft a fable of epic proportions. War is coming, ancient forces stir, and adventures begin. A great start to the series, tensions are high, the threat is emerging, and the path can lead either way, to destruction or salvation.

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Book review: C. James Brown – Killing Influence

In C. James Brown’s Killing Influence, when two social media influencers are found dead, [image error]Earl Town finds himself in more trouble than he could imagine. His previous fame attracted attention, which was great for his detective agency, right up until the mob boss seeks him out. The two deaths had both been written off as unsuspicious, but given that the mobster’s granddaughter works for the same talent firm as these social media stars, and happened so close together, this protective mobster has made a connection he doesn’t like and wants Earl to investigate. If only it had been as cut and dry as a strange coincidence. P.I. Townfounds himself under mob escort, trying to crack a case even the police had turned their backs on. The further he digs, the more trouble finds him, and now not only the mob have him in their sights, will he survive to find the answers?

Killing Influence is the second book in C. James Brown’s Earl Town series and makes for an excellent read for lovers of a good murder mystery. Earl Town is a remarkable character, who skillfully navigates his way through an extensive plot, uncovering surprises and connections that will astound the reader. I really enjoyed watching everything come together so expertly as the dots are connected, suspects are interrogated, and clues are gathered. This really is a perfect murder mystery and, with its delve into influencer and social media marketing, has a very modern setting. I particularly liked how Town was unfamiliar with the scene and the true to life reactions and astonishment of one who suddenly discovers that influencers are the new celebrities for the younger generations. His humour made me smile, and the escalating sense of dread continued to grow as investigations seem to lead the way to a path better left unseen. Murder, danger, and hair-raising twists will keep a reader glued to the page. Killing Influence is certainly a must-read for people who enjoy a well-crafted murder with a strong leading character.

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Book review: T.L. Callahan – Rising Chaos

In T.L Callahan’s Rising Chaos, Lia Davis had known there would be things expected of [image error]her as Bennett’s bond-mate, but when he whisked her away to his home she realised just how much was expected from her. Raised with no knowledge of their people, Lia finds herself under the merciless regime of Bennett’s Arxhai, Selene, as she tries to shape her into the very image of the Kyrion’s mother. Resentment flies high, as everyone regards her with suspicion and the power she holds wreaks havoc. She must not only learn her place but complete the task expected from her as Chaos’ Chosen. But a mysterious voice keeps telling her to leave, the clock is ticking, she has a task to perform, a duty to uphold, and a role to learn, but can she do it? One thing is certain, she is living up to her title as Chaos’ Chosen, as chaos follows on her heels wherever she goes.

Rising Chaos is book 3 in T.L Callahan’s Paldimori Gods Rising Series. Having not read the first books in the series there were times where I felt I didn’t know enough about what had happened to make this work as a stand-alone, but despite this, I still really enjoyed the plot. Written from Lia’s first-person-narrative perspective you are given a front seat to her trials, tribulations, and doubts. Frustration and tempers run high as Lia tries to gain control over her wild powers and be shaped into the figure she needs to become to sit beside Bennett. But at every turn, she is breaking laws, fumbling tasks, or being disrespectful. I enjoyed how Lia held on to trust issues spurred by actions in the previous books and is constantly questioning motives and whether she is trusting the right people. Action, chaos, challenges, and deceptions drive the character-driven plot as she Lia tries to become the person she is expected to be, but all the time, withheld information, secrets, and past trauma threaten her control. I found Lia to be well-developed. Three is a lot to this plot, ancient prophecies, houses, and conflict, and I feel someone who has already read those would have a fuller feel for the situations unfolding and the characters. A strong fantasy with amazing scenes, and unfolding drama that will get you hooked, and eager to know what came before and what will follow.

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