K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 26
November 18, 2019
Book review: Laura Diaz De Arce – Monstrosity: Tales Of Transformation (@QuetaAuthor )
Monstrosity is a collection of short stories by Laura Diaz De Arce. The general theme is [image error]one of transformation/ metamorphosis /change, be it physically or emotionally. I enjoyed each one of these stories, all of which highlight the author’s own diversity. From swamps to space, the settings and stakes are varied. I don’t often read short stories, as often I find them unsatisfying, but this collection left me wanting for nothing.
My favourite of the tales were La Bruna y el vendedor, or how Eduardo found his heart, and hardcover soft cover. I loved the concept of these tales and thought they were, like all the other tales within, well written and executed perfectly.
Book link:
November 16, 2019
Book review: Michael C. Sahd – The Unfettered Child (@MichaelCSahd)
The Unfettered Child by Michael C. Sahd is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre. Written in the third-person perspective, mainly focusing on Orin and Samara, ensures you are drawn into the story from multiple perspectives, allowing you to fully appreciate the story and its complexities. I found the characters well-developed, interesting and brilliantly portrayed. I was hooked on this from the first chapter to the last, eagerly turning each page to uncover the fate in store for the characters I so quickly became invested in. I enjoyed the world-building, lore, mythology, magic system, and incorporation of different belief structures. Action, heartbreak, and manipulation drive on the intriguing plot as you wonder what will be the final outcome of a journey started with tragedy.
Book link:
November 14, 2019
Book review: Cassandra George Sturges- Pretty Blue Ball
Pretty Blue Ball is the first book in Cassandra George Sturges’ Jungle Beauty Goddesses [image error]series. To celebrate their seven millionth birthdays, the septuplets, Sahara, Kalahari, Qattara, Namib, Sinai, Chalbi, and Afar were to be gifted with a planet ball, so they may develop and nurture their own planet. It was an exciting time for the young Godettes, the transition from their current care-free role to that of a goddess. First, they had to journey through their father’s creation and find a single ball which suited each of their needs. Being so different, they thought the task to be impossible, until, at last, they saw the pretty blue ball. They instantly knew it was the one for them, and so the story of Earth, and the life born and nurtured upon it begins.
Cassandra George Sturges‘ Pretty Blue Ball puts a new spin of evolution and creation mythos in this unusual fiction tale. The writing style is predominantly a third-person tell style, interspaced with small sections of thoughts from the goddesses themselves as if written in their diaries. I found it to be quite deadpan in the telling, yet able to hold my interest as I wanted to discover and understand the plot. I thought there was a great deal of imagination behind the plot, and particularly liked the impression given that the figureheads and deities of alternative religions were also the goddesses’ siblings and possessed their own planet balls shaped by their morals and faith. I found Pretty Blue Ball informative and educational, as it guides the reader through the various states of the planet’s life cycle from creation. I enjoyed how the characters’ choices made affected the manner in which humanity evolved, and their own fates. There are some disturbing scene, but the deadpan style of writing prevents the reader from becoming overly engaged in what is occurring. This book has potential, but I found the style of writing too detached to allow me to fully invest in the plot and characters. I did, however, think pictures included were a lovely addition.
Book link:
November 10, 2019
Book review: P G Badzey – Eye of Truth
There was a prophecy, a song of heroics and danger to come, of rising heroes, and a dark [image error]rider. On their quest to learn the truth and the meaning of this cryptic verse, Dar Cabot and his motley crew soon discover there are more dangers and secrets within their own ranks than they could have imagined. Friendship and loyalty are challenged as secrets capable of destroying their quest and their friendship come to light. Will the bonds they have forged during their previous adventure remain, or will foundations based on deceit by avoidance see them crumble. Time will tell, but it will not wait, and evil will thrive as those who should oppose it falters.
The Eye of Truth is the second book in P.G. Badzey’s the Grey Riders series. Written in a character-focused third person perspective you are drawn into a charming and rich tale of magic, loyalty, friendship and secrets, mainly from the perspective of Dar Cabot. I enjoyed the complexities of the plot and characters, and their development and alterations as secrets are uncovered. I enjoyed the exchanges between characters, sometimes humorous, other times wrought with emotion. With good world building and inclusion of different cultures, you find characters of alternative religions, backgrounds, and races overcoming differences and working together, the acceptance of who each other are, and their experiences together strengthen the connection of the group, but that’s not to say they are infallible and unbreakable. Danger, action, threat, and camaraderie will keep the reader engaged as monsters and adventure, along with the impending threat of evil and assassins compel them to read on.
[image error]
Bok link:
November 5, 2019
Book review: Anita Dickason – Not Dead (@anita_dickason)
When four year old Mandy Norton is abducted from her own back yard, Chad Bishop [image error]springs into action. A big city cop in a small town knows just the moves to play, unfortunately, so too does the new editor of the Tribune. Butting heads over the disappearance Chad learns a horrific truth, this feisty reporter is the girl’s aunt, and given her skills in investigative journalism, and her ability to uncover leads and sources, they would work better together than apart. As the investigation unfolds it appears Mandy is not the only child to be snatched from a small town, one thing is for certain, whoever took Mandy is in for more trouble than they can handle, especially when a familiar fog and hidden whispers once more bid for Chad’s attention. He has seen this before, and it almost cost him his sanity, this time, the price could be far higher. Can he find Mandy before the unspeakable happens?
Not Dead is a suspenseful thriller with just a hint of the supernatural. I really loved how Anita Dickason teases the reader. She plays your curiosity like a finely tuned fiddle, enticing you to read on and discover more about the characters, their past, the strange events unfolding, and most importantly, whether they will they find Mandy alive, or at all? The characters are expertly developed and it was so easy to become invested in their personal plights, sympathise with them, and fear for their safety. The third-person style gives the reader insight into many perceptions, even a few which really played on the heartstrings. Beautifully written beginning to end and presented in a gripping and concise manner. If you’re looking for a good mystery plot that will pull you in hook, line, and sinker, then this is it.
[image error]
Book link:
November 3, 2019
Book review: Debbie De Louise – Sea Scope (@Deblibrarian)
Sarah had known there was trouble in her marriage for a long time. Even before the [image error]devastation she faced on finding out her brother had died. It stemmed from the fact that, for some unknown reason, she and her husband were unable to conceive and he was not open to any alternative. When an invitation arrives from her aunt to visit her childhood home, Sea Scope, as a trial run before the grand reopening of the inn, she had her reservations. On one hand, she thought the break would do her marriage good, on the other, she had not returned to that place in twenty years, not since discovering the body of Michael, a resident and friend, at the foot of the light house. Even before reaching the inn, disturbing events beckoned her attention, a message from her dead brother’s phone. It seems there is a truth to be discovered, and some secrets cannot stay buried forever.
Debbie De Louise’s Sea Scope is a thrilling and gripping murder mystery which reflects on a murder which happened twenty years ago as new events at Sea Scope start to lead Sarah to uncover a truth that had once been buried. I really enjoyed the smoothly executed alteration between the present day, and events of twenty years ago. As the mystery unfolds so too does your understanding of the characters grow. Each character is complex, human, with their own flaws, realistic personalities, and challenges. I can honestly say I haven’t enjoyed watching a mystery plot unfold like this for a long time, I could scarcely bear to put it down. The steady pace keeps you engaged while the characters drive the plot forward. Sea Scope has made it onto my exclusive recommended books list, which is reserved for books that, in my opinion, have that extra little something for readers. Secrets, mystery, betrayal, and discovery, along with excellent plot and character development make this a must-read book.
Book link:
October 31, 2019
Book review: JD Stanley – The Seer (@jdstanleywrites)
The rule of the Red King, Barry, has driven the people of Edenshire, to the brink of [image error]devastation. Even the Seer can divine only destruction before them, and it is a path he himself had brought to pass. He had ended King Manfred’s reign by his own hand, and ensured Manfred’s daughter, Brigit, became his ward, learning from him, as she also did from Sir William, captain of the King’s guard. But her time for such tomfoolery had come to pass, despite her yearnings she was no longer permitted a sword in hand, she had to be schooled in the ways of being a lady, a home-maker, but King Barry may have other plans for the princess, and fate itself has its own ideas of what should come to pass, regardless how much anyone tries to fight it.
You know you are going to enjoy a book when the first pages make you grin and JD Stanley’s, The Seer, did just that. I loved the playful exchange and incorporation of old English insults and words. Compelling dialogue is found throughout and really adds a medieval character and feel to the writing. I thought the characters were well developed, some fighting what fate has laid before them, and others embracing the life they are given. Forbidden love, underhanded schemes, deception, abandonment, and endless insanity and war drive the plot, drawing you deeper into a world of magic and madness. You will find yourself mentally berating some characters choices, while eagerly awaiting others receiving their comeuppance, and you cant help but root for the more deserving as they try to find their path. Intense, gripping, emotional, and action filled The Seer will give you hours of entertainment.
[image error]
Book link:
October 28, 2019
Book review: Michele E. Northwood – Fishnets in the Far East (@northwood_e)
Michele had longed to be a dancer, but when she was accepted to be a dancer, as part of [image error]a troupe going to Korea, she was a little apprehensive and with good reason. This male-dominated society gave no quarter. Naïve, inexperienced, and shy she soon learns she must take life into her own hands or be exploited.
Fishnets in the Far East is a true life account from the diaries of Michele E. Northwood. This book has a very real feel to it, which perhaps stems from the fact it is based on the true story of the character whose perspective we adopt. It embraces different cultures, but it also made me smile in the sense that it highlighted certain habits and practices which are adopted by some countries that are alien to the US or British cultures, and the characters’ reactions to them were very apt. I enjoyed the unfolding plot as you are thrust into the complexities of three young girls sent to work in Korea as dancers. There was a massive culture shock they had been unprepared for, and they had needed to adapt quickly and learn who to trust, needless to say, not speaking the language caused greater barriers to be overcome. Entertaining beginning to end and a good portrayal of the time in question. I really felt for the girls as their manager manipulated, and exploited them, only to show a softer side to keep them in line. A lot of the feelings kindle in this book were similar to those I felt myself when moving to India to work. The isolation, homesickness, and desperation as money runs out and no wages were received, were all things I can relate to, along with the attitudes of people towards them. This is a beautifully detailed tale. Emotional, real, and interesting. It highlights differences in cultures, practices, and understanding in a way that is entertaining.
Book link:
Book review: Gordon Bickerstaff – Die Every Day (@GFBickerstaf)
When Zoe Tampsin is told about a recent murder her heart borders on breaking. [image error]Conflicting emotions bubble within her. She has been given a duty, to ensure the killer pleads guilty. But it soon becomes apparent there is more to this case than meets the eye, and far more to her involvement than a simple act of ensuring the plea goes as required. As events unravel, and she hears the confession of the murder, it seems there is no doubt to be cast. Buried beneath the surface of this heart-breaking crime is a secret so destructive, so horrific, that it could destroy the government and the country. Should she happen across it, should she unearth the truth, then Zoe will put everyone she loves in harm’s way. The problem is, this is Zoe Tampsin, and when she demands answers no stone is left unturned until she gets them.
Die Every Day is the latest espionage Thriller in Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group Thrillers. Having read the other six books in this series I have already developed a connection to the characters, and it is a bond that increases throughout the books. I love watching how fate and events twist the lives, personalities, and relationships of these vivid and realistic characters, but perhaps one of my most favourite things, are the character’s are consistently flawed, consistently human, making them real and believable. Gordon Bickerstaff’s third-person narrative draws the readers in with vivid descriptions, beautifully choregraphed action, and a plot that leaves you hungry for the truth. As a reader I revelled in watching events unravel in ways I had not expected. I’ve said it before, but Gordon Bickerstaff is a true master of this genre. Action, secrets, loyalty, desperation, and betrayal will keep you on the edge of your seat as things go from bad to worse with seemingly no reprieve. I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on the next book when it comes out, if there is one.
Book link:
October 24, 2019
Book review: D.L. Dugger – The Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency (@dl_dugger)
When the Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency undertook a case to find a missing [image error]ghost they had no idea what they would find themselves involved in. Joseph Green is not the only missing ghost, and his disappearance is not due to the standard exorcism. Someone is employing a medium to capture the spirits using a method unseen for a very long time. But since neither Otherworld or Underworld have a need to pursue such undertakings, it begs the question who is behind the disappearance of souls, and what do they hope to gain from it? Luckily Monsento and his gang of young sleuths are on the case, but do they have what it takes to unravel this mystery and survive?
The Fantastic Phantasmic Detective Agency and The Case of the Missing Ghost by D.L. Dugger is a paranormal fiction targeting towards young teenagers, but enjoyable by most age ranges. Abby, Toby and Billy, run a detective agency like no other, one which takes requests from the dead. To do this they have the help of their medium, Arthur Monsento. Written in the alternative first person of Arthur and Abby you are given both an adult and teenage perspective of unfolding events allowing you to be drawn deeper into the intriguing mystery. The characters, like the plot itself, are fun and entertaining and at more than one point I found myself chuckling. I enjoyed the incorporation and adaptation of Greek mythology as well as the growth the characters displayed throughout the book. While it is apparent that this is not the first book in the series, the author does a wonderful job in bringing the reader up to speed thus allowing anyone picking up this book to enjoy the plot in full, while also being intrigued to learn what may have happened before. I enjoyed the playfulness of this book, and it reminded me a lot of the young sleuth mysteries I read as a child with one added bonus, this is heavily influenced by the paranormal, making it a more adult combination of Scooby-doo and Nancy Drew combined with the darker aspects of Strangers Things.
[image error]
Book link:
