K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 24

Book review: Jared A. Zakarian – The Ikalreev Prophecies

 Jared A. Zakarian’s The Ikalreev Prophecies is the first book in the Verdunmull series. [image error]Faolan’s first memory was of the faces of his parents. Not his real parents, they, like his past had been long forgotten. His new parents were eves, and he had been trained to be a scout, but the events he beheld placed him in the path of a much larger destiny, one so large it had once been told in a prophecy where the fate of the world will hang in the balance. New creatures, a race against time, and a battle for survival are about to begin as key players of the prophecy of old are revealed. But what future will come to pass, and can that which was written be altered?

The Ikalreev Prophecies by Jared A. Zakarian is an epic fantasy adventure, Jared A. Zakarian. Monsters, dragons, elves, and dwarves, what more could a fantasy ask for except perhaps cursed angels and ancient prophecies? Within the intriguing and ambitious plot you will find action, adventure, and no small amount of lore, myth, and legends. Great world building draws the reader in, and the developed and diverse characters keeps them entertained. In parts this reminded me of Witcher, with fantastic beasts, epic struggles, and rising  stakes. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold, questioning motives, alignments, and loyalties. The writing style flows smoothly and keeps you invested. Danger, chaos, escalating odds, and a fight for survival will keep you hooked on this epic tale from beginning to end.

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Season Greetings

I just wanted to write a quick post to wish all of you happiness and joy this Holiday Season.

How ever you choose to celebrate I hope you have a wonderful time and thank you for following me.

I had my artist put together a few pictures, I hope you like them.

#SeasonsGreetings #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas #HappyHanukah #BlessedSolstice

#wintersolstice #Kwanzaa

Book review: Lisa V. Proulx – King of Shadows (@LisaVProulx)

Lucinda had loved Darien. Despite his cruelty, the torture, and all she was forced to [image error]endure by his hand. When she had left him, she had hoped it would make him see things differently. But she didn’t realise how much he would change. When she found his corpse relief and heartache ran rampant, but his death was only the start of her troubles. Months later she gave birth to his child, but in death Darien has met his true potential, and is determined to raise the child as he sees fit, teaching him the dark ways he himself has embraced, and Lucinda once again is forced to suffer by his hand.

King of Shadows by Lisa V. Proulx is a short horror tale centring around the tragedy that is Lucinda’s life. I enjoyed the first person narrative, especially how the author built scenes and descriptions, even now the funeral scene at the start is still really prominent in my mind. I enjoyed how Lucinda broke away from being a victim, only to find herself in a darker situation, and the ending certainly surprised me. A great short horror.

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Book review: T.J and ML Wolf – A Gleam of Light (@TJWolfAuthor )

Una Waters had left the Hopi Reservation after her parents’ death, she was unsure if she [image error]would have ever returned if not for a letter begging for her aid. Something was happening on the sacred peaks, and they hoped as a recognised person, she could act as a mediator between people, keep the peace, and find a way to stop the unwanted military activities in the years. Something strange was happening there. The military had arrived in force and a strange light, a death, and an unexpected gift seem to be just the start of the mysterious events. The military is determined to find answers, and they don’t care about respecting the land and beliefs of others. Unless Una can find the proof she needs to protect the site then an integral part of the Hopi history could be lost forever. But finding proof when the site is guarded by the military is near impossible, and there is more occurring than meets the eyes, something that links back to something she experienced as a child. Eager for answers she undertakes this journey, but can she face the truth of what she may find?

A Gleam of Light is a science fiction story by T.J and ML Wolf. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the fact I not only enjoyed a captivating tale, but I also learnt something. I enjoyed reading about different aspects of Hopi beliefs, combined with adventure, challenges, and Una’s journey. Her journey is one of discovery, not only into the events occurring on the peaks and the past, but into herself and the connection she had almost forgotten with the land and life. A Gleam of Light has a strong cast of main and supporting characters, all of whom have their own roles to play in advancing the plot. There are many aspects woven wonderfully into this story, from beliefs and culture, to alien abductions, UFOs, and conspiracy theories. This is the first book in The Survival Trilogy, but it was written in such away the story stands alone, while paving the path for what may follow.

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Replying to comments

Hi everyone.

I want to send a big apology out. It appears I have been having issues seeing comments on my blog, for some reason today I was able to see them all, and they dated back to June.

Sorry if you commented and I didn’t respond. Hopefully, the issue is now resolved.

Have a great day everyone.

Book review: Dewey B Reynold – Stuart Duffelmeyer and the Masters of Plagues

Stuart Duffelmeyer wasn’t dissatisfied with his life. He had found his calling and was [image error]about to graduate NYU with his veterinary medicine diploma. It was an event he had eagerly awaited, until a cruel and hurtful prank ensure he wouldn’t be able to show his face at his own graduation. He swore vengeance, and his old Rabbi had given him just the tool to further his agenda. An old talisman connected him to the powers of earth, air, fire, water, animal, and spirits. He was given a higher purpose, granted powers beyond his dreams, but first, he would ensure that the egocentric eight who had shamed and humiliated him so completely would know true suffering by his hand. Building his army he sets forth to exact his revenge on those who oppress and abuse with their power.

Stuart Duffelmeyer and the Masters of Plagues is a supernatural fiction by Dewey B Reynolds. It focuses on the main character as he discovers his new ability and forges armies. The third person perspective of the writing allows for great descriptions to be presented, giving the reader a good feel of their surroundings. While the pace is slow, it is fun to see those who wrong others get their comeuppance. I liked the human aspect of Stuart, he had been gifted great boons and powers, and while he did utilise them for the good of others, he also used them to further his own plans to have the eight who had shamed him face their most terrifying fears until they repented. There are some great ideas and thought provoking passages, and whilst the characters didn’t develop as much as I personally would have liked, and I found the dialogue a little too forced and repetitive for my own tastes, it was still an enjoyable read.

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Book Review: Mollie Player – Fights you’ll have after having a baby (@MolliePlayer)

I don’t normally post reviews for non-fiction books on my blog, but I enjoyed this one so [image error]much I thought I would make an exception. Fights You’ll Have After Having a Baby, addresses issues most parents don’t consider when bringing a child into the world, the impact and change this bundle of joy will have on their own relationships, and the feelings and problems that arise. it also offers some great advice on how to turn things around and get back on track.

Helpful resolutions, quotes, and experience are brought together in a gripping narrative in a manner which not only offers great advice, but is fun and enjoyable to read. In Mollie Player’s Fights You’ll Have After Having a Baby, you have the author bearing their soul, and sharing thoughts and feelings that at one time or another we have all experienced. Entertaining, informative, and enjoyable, making this a great read for people at any point in the parenting journey from expecting a first child to expanding on an already established family. I also felt the advice was also transferable to marriage itself, even without children. I read this on KU, and not only really enjoyed it, bit found it useful as well.

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Miami, final day, part two, award ceremony #ReadersFavoriteMiami2019

So here it is, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, or at least the one I’d been waiting for since first discovering I had won such a respected award. Saturday evening marked the close of my time in Miami, and what better way to fini[image error]sh the holiday than with an epic award ceremony?

I can tell you, the atmosphere was charged. Everyone gathered together around six, and there were some incredible outfits. Everyone looked fabulous, as you would expect for such a prestigious event. After getting dressed, I could already feel the flurry of butterflies dancing in my stomach. I was worried about everything, especially given my somewhat uncoordinated nature. I honestly had images of me taking a tumble up or over the stage, which thankfully didn’t happen. As you would expect the venue was packed. So many people had turned up to watch family, friends, and loved ones receive this great honour. It was so fantastic to be in a room filled with my peers, and no one was too busy to say hello, or congratulate one another.

It truly was a sight to behold, and better yet, every single person I had the privilege of meeting was friendly, supportive, and genuinely pleased for everyone’s achievements. From my experience over the past five years it became clear to me that there are some authors who revel in seeing others fail, or try to elevate at the expense of another. I can honestly say I found no one like that here. Everyone was eager to help, talk, and support each other. It was a breath of fresh air to see people coming together in this unified manner.

I know some wonderful people online, and now I have the honour of expanding my list to people I have met through the Readers’ Favorite awards. I really feel like I have forged some lasting friendships here.

We were all called up to stage one at a time and presented our award by Mark Wayne Adams, a multiple award-winning author and illustrator, renowned in his field and expertise. After a photo by the professional photographer, we moved on to have our pictures taken at the Readers’ Favorite backdrop. I was not having a very photogenic night, so I both eagerly await and dread seeing the official photos. Afterwards there was a party and buffet, where we got to mingle, eat, and be merry. So without further ado, I present to you my photos of #ReadersFavoriteMiami2019 award ceremony. (Yes I wish I had taken more, but I was so busy soaking it all in that my camera was far from my mind.)

I also want to give a special shout out to the following authors;

[image error]Ann Boelter
[image error]D Dalton (@SilverfireKS)
[image error]Janice Spina (@janice_spina)
[image error]Laurel Ann Hill (@LaurelAnneHill)
[image error]Lisa V Proulx (@LisaVProulx)
[image error]Mark Wayne Adams (@markwayneadams)
[image error]Michael Gerhartz, (@MichaelGerhart5)
[image error]Milan Sergent, (@MilanSergent)

There were so many amazing people there, and it was a honour to spend time with all of you.

Awards are open for next year, so if you’re thinking about submitting your own book or manuscript click on the image below.

Thanks for joining me on my vacation x

Lots of reviews and #ReadersFavoriteMiami2019

I am aware I have just unloaded a huge quantity of reviews on you. Having been in Miami I have been unable to post them for the books I have read, and two long haul flights, not to mention some quiet evenings gave me plenty of time for reading.

I have one more review to add, but having not slept for 30 hours now I will take that on tomorrow. I am hoping to collect a few more pictures before posting the Readers’ Favorite award, so if you were there and have some, please feel free to send them my way and I’ll include them in the gallery. You can either messenger them me, or tag me on them at twitter @simmillkj let us show everyone how much fun we had.

Have a great evening everyone x

Book review: Lisa V Proulx – A Temporary Death (@LisaVProulx)

In 1954 Victoria Edwards bled to death during a routine procedure that went terribly [image error]wrong, only to awaken in the morgue 3 days later with an amazing tale. While her Earthly vessel lay in death, Victoria experienced insight and sights she could never have imagined, an insight she dared not share until now.

A Temporary Death by Lisa V Proulx is written as a transcript from the recordings of Victoria Edward, this dictation tells the journey of this woman’s ‘temporary death’ and the struggles she faced on her return. I really enjoyed how the telling of this tale remained true to Victoria’s dictation. You have her story, her words, told in the way she wanted it told. While a short tale it is also a powerful one, stirring emotional responses and encouraging the reader to consider what they themselves believe and might experience in their own death, be it temporary or otherwise.

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