K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 30
July 22, 2019
Book review: The Persistence of Memory – Karen Janowsky (@Karen_Janowsky )
Daniel never normally connected with people, and those who pursue him usually were [image error]just in love with his history. He was Lionheart, a super-soldier who survived the Nazis, experiments, manipulations, and somehow found himself propelled through time. When he met Nina, however, he couldn’t explain the attraction. It was as if he’d known her forever, and the impossible visions he had of her did nothing to disprove what he felt. He thought there were more pressing things to address. The collection of artefacts, thought to be part of a larger weapon, had to be a priority, especially since they were not the only ones after them. But his and Nina’s past is more important than they could ever imagine.
The Persistence of Memory by Karen Jaowsky is a blending of romance, superhero, science fiction, and time-travel. It is packed with interesting ancient history, some of which while seeped in fact have been tempered to the author’s own creative flair. I enjoyed the building relationship between Daniel and Nina, and the broad scope of characters we are introduced to. We learn about Daniel’s past as we explore his present and his hopes towards a future with Nina. All the time they are attempting to stop the movements of demons. I enjoyed the fact the heroes are fallible, they are not only imperfect and flawed, but they also don’t claim victory at every turn. They are human, mostly, and are presented as such. The plot is mainly focused on the building relationship between Daniel and Nina, but is also filled with action and exploration. History is revealed and secrets uncovered in this character-driven plot. Romance, uncertainty, mystery and intrigue will keep you delving further, trying to uncover the truth and its importance.
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Book review: Crown of the Realm – D. Dalton
Derora Saxen knew there was more to life than the quiet town she called home. But [image error]when the cultists turned up, looking for an outlaw, destiny came calling. When her father sent her on a quest to petition assistance she had no idea of the danger. No idea that a plea for aid would result in her path crossing with enemies long forgotten, and put her, and those who walked beside her, in their sights. War is coming, and those already aware of the danger have done nothing but run. The time has come to make a stand, or watch the world burn.
Crown of the Realm is the first book in D. Dalton’s All Things Impossible series. From the start, you are drawn straight in. From regicide to pony jousting, cults to ancient and forgotten threats, it certainly encompasses a fantasy lovers expectations. The third-person narrative is engaging, descriptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to breeze through as events unfold and the stakes rise. Loyalties and history are questioned as the choices made for the greater good seem to have consequences beyond those imagined. I enjoyed Derora’s character, her moxie really made me smile, as did her persistence, perseverance, and strength of character. More than once I felt a pang of sympathy for those in her path, particularly her reluctant and long-suffering companion, Kelin. Danger, chaos, and questions drive the character centred plot through an epic adventure fraught with peril. A great start to what promises to be a gripping series.
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Book review: Encounters with Demons – P.A. Minyard
Gabriel had everything to live for, a job he enjoyed, a woman he loved, and the most [image error]recent news had him over the moon. He had never expected his life to end so suddenly, or to be asked to make another sacrifice in death. He had been chosen to be Beloved. A being who could take the power from demons in the hope of rebalancing the world. He would be returned to life in order to protect others who would fall to dark hands if not for his intervention. The catch is, he can live, but he cannot reveal himself to those who knew him. Before him lies countless challenges in an ancient war of good vs evil. Can he do all that is asked from him and stem the tide of the rising evil?
Encounters with Demons is P.A. Minyard’s addition to the urban, paranormal romance genre. It follows the lives of two people, Michel, the first Beloved and Gabriel, a modern-day Beloved. The two men lived centuries apart but they had more than one thing in common. Both tales follow the linear path of their own lives and actions and each is diverse enough that whilst they undertake the same missions, their journey is very different. The premise is good, and the narrative ensures that it is clear whose story you are exploring. The characters are interesting and diverse, and each faces their own trials, struggles, dilemmas. This is a tale of good vs evil, and yet it is so much more, it is about love, balance, and understanding, as well as the realisation that good and evil by human definitions is, in itself, incomplete. Whilst they were returned by the Father, and this could be also classed as Christian Fiction, I found the religious aspects well present, few. The book is not centred around religion and beliefs, but rather around the actions and choices of individuals. Action, romance, and temptation meld wonderfully in the different settings to present an enjoyable tale of a struggle which will continue for as long as sides can be chosen.
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Book review: War – A.G. Kirkham
Maddie had always loved music, she put part of herself into every concert, every song, [image error]every note. It was a part of her, right up until the day someone ripped it from her. Her abduction had been the most terrifying moments of her life, and whilst she had been rescued a part of her, the part loving to be on stage, remained trapped. When the local MC, Satan’s Pride, insist she performs, she reluctantly finds herself in the spotlight, but War finds her too. He vows to protect her. He had sworn never to take a partner, and yet he could not envision his life without her. She was his, and when news if her abductor’s return reaches his ears he vows to do everything he can to keep her safe. She is happier than she has been for a long time, and he knows this news could destroy her.
War is part of A.G. Kirkham’s Satan’s Pride series. This novel follows the stories of Maddie and War as fate brings them together despite events from the past, and promises made to themselves attempting to keep them apart. It is wonderful to watch Maddie and War’s subtle changes as they grow together and learn to trust. There are some highly erotic and sensual scenes handled with passion and taste. Romance, insecurities, looming threat, and friendships drive this plot forwards. Written in the first-person perspective, mainly from either Maddies’ or War’s point of view, you are placed right in the centre of the action, with the character’s own monologues expressed in the narrative to give you glimpses into their innermost thoughts as fears. I appreciated how, like many people, Maddie and War both had masks, Maddie is one person on stage, another with her brother and band, and another with War. He too has his many different egos, from fierce protector, considerate lover, to loyal Pride member. While part of a series, this book reads perfectly as stand-alone, and perhaps even drops hints into what I suspect will be another tale between Vi and Orion. Lovely romance, engaging, descriptive, and passionate. A great summer sizzler to lose yourself in.
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July 21, 2019
Book reviews to come
Hi everyone.
Just a quick note to say that tomorrow I will be posting a number of book reviews. These are for books that are now available but I read and reviewed through Readers’ Favorite prior to their release.
I guess I felt the need to tell you as, sadly, I still haven’t perfected my pocket universe for reading, and they are simply books I have already read. I didn’t want my fellow readers to get too excited thinking I had finally achieved the reader’s dream, a place to read where time outside doesn’t pass. Maybe one day.
Have an amazing week everyone x
Book review: Obehi Dibua – Crimson Night
When Nosu called her princess everything changed for Osezele. She had only admired [image error]him from afar, but it wasn’t just their relationship that changed, everything did. She had lived a sheltered life, her knowledge of the marked was limited to the small snippets her mother had allowed her to know which, considering the lengths she had gone to when Osezele was born, was more dangerous than could be imagined. Osezele had been born marked, but not wishing to see her daughter taken from her grasp she enlisted the help of her sister to hide the tell-tale sign from the Spotters. A change is coming, one that threatens all those bearing a hidden mark and it seems the danger approaches on more than just a single front, and one is heading straight for her. Can Osezele and her new friends prepare for the danger about to arrive on their doorstep, or will life as they know it change for all who possess a hidden mark?
Crimson Night is Book one in Obehi Dibua’s The Marked series. Within these pages you will find a detailed and gripping urban fantasy based in Nigeria, and centring mainly around Osezele’s boarding school. There has been great thought put into the creation of this world, and the marks within. From shifters to witches there are an array of talents, and a class/hierarchy designated for each. Those born with a mark should be located at birth by Spotters and raised in their own communities, but some parents chose to hide the mark, raising their child as they saw fit. Osezele is unaware she possesses a mark, and suddenly finds herself thrust into a secret world she had no idea existed. I loved watched her grow and develop, gaining confidence through alliances and friendships as she comes to understand the world she is a part of and the powers she is coming into. There is a very real feel to every aspect of this book, from setting and characters, to the application of magic and social structures. This is a story of friendship, discovery, danger, impending threat, and magic, all presented in a captivating manner with characters you can really grow to admire. This is an excellent start to what I feel will be a very promising series.
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Book review: Joel Borelli – The Dragon’s Eye
Varek Hai was a Defender, perhaps the only one to now wear the ring. With no wizard [image error]partner, it calls him to where the Mother wishes. When his path leads him to the second prince of Ishalem he could not begin to fathom the adventure that awaits. Summer solstice brings with it the beginning of a prophecy, opening the path to the Ravens Roost, through which believes the powerful artefact, the Dragon’s Eye was hidden. The first prince was feared lost after undertaking the dangerous quest, and Krane will not rest until both his brother and the artefact are in hand. But he is not the only one whose eyes are trained on such a prize, with the path open, powerful legends seek to claim the coveted tool for themselves. The path is dangerous and full of peril, their only guide a rhyme revealed when the prophecy began. The race is on, a race which could determine the fate of all.
The Dragon’s Eye is book two in Joel Borelli’s The Last Defender Series. Having not read the first book I can confidently say that, while part of a series, it works well as stand-alone. This Epic Fantasy reminded me in places of Witcher, with magic, wizardry, myths, legends, and imaginative beasts. I particularly liked the thought put into the world-building, from things as simple as marking time’s passage to a working magic system used in extraordinary ways in times past to ‘grow’ magnificent structures. Written in an engaging and descriptive first-person narrative you are given great insight into the main character, their outlook, driving forces, and thoughts. Engaging and packed with adventure, peril, discovery and legends turned to flesh. this book has something for everyone and an array of characters you will enjoy discovering more about as time and trials temper them.
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July 14, 2019
Book review: C.A. King – Tales Always Wins (@PortalProphecy )
Brodie had fought his nature. He had repressed and denied his shifter half since the [image error]night his first shift had taken those he loved most away from him. He kept his head down and embraced a pacifist lifestyle. So the forced invitation to anger management came as a surprise, as did the sudden assault charge and the discovery that the government had now set their sights on shifters. Long ago dangerous dogs had been driven to extinction, now it seemed the same was about to happen to certain breeds of shifters. Brodie finds himself in an impossible situation. He can either submit to Zeus and embrace all that he is, or find himself imprisoned and without rights. It seemed an impossible choice, and he is certain there is more to Zeus’ agenda than meets the eye. Can he find the strength to uncover the truth and do what needs to be done?
Tails Always Wins is an urban paranormal fantasy written by C.A. King. it focuses on Brodie and Tails as the central characters, and their coming together against the odds. Both are remarkable in their own right, and together they are a team to be reckoned with. The plot is gripping, entertaining, and a precursor to so much more. Watching the characters evolve and discover the truth about each other, their pasts, and what the future could hold was brilliant. Challenges and uncertainty merge with prejudices and injustice to create a gripping and enchanting plot with a few twists and surprises in store. Tails is a remarkable character, strong, courageous, and more than a little manipulative. I look forward is seeing what happens in the next book of the Chasing Tails series.
July 12, 2019
Book review: Rod C. Spence – Jeremy Austin and the Paladin (@RodCSpence)
When six teenagers are escorted at weapon point through a portal to the planet Genesis, [image error]2.4 million light years from Earth, it was always going to spell trouble. It was the type of trouble that hadn’t been bargained on. A prophecy had told of a beacon and the coming of a paladin to protect Genesis from the armies of the Gnome King, and if the prophecies are true, then this paladin is the only one who could drive back the armies ready to invade. Everyone has their role to play, and self-discovery is but a part of it.
Rod C. Spence’s, Jeremy Austin and the Paladin is a harmonious weave of high fantasy meets science fiction. Packed with action, teenage drama, and a quest for survival you will be holding onto the edge of your seat. For me, I saw a lot of details that reminded me of the RPG games I lost hours to playing crossed with some of my favourite action games. I enjoyed watching how each character went from being a victim of circumstance to the shaper of their destiny. The characters are developed, engaging, and also believable with flaws and personality that enhance their own journey of discovery as prehistoric monsters meet with magic and futuristic technology. Written in a well-paced and flowing third person perspective you can see the plots, schemes, trials, and challenges unfold from almost every angle. Action, chaos, suspense, and drama are just parts of the thrilling plot that will leave fantasy lovers sated, yet wanting more.
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Book review: C.A. King – Serendipity’s Debt (@PortalProphecy)
Seren was having, without a doubt, the worst day of her life. It was meant to be [image error]something special, chance to prove she was right for the job she knew was meant to her. But even before she opened her eyes fate was against her. There are bad days, and then there are BAD days. Deflated and defeated she stumbles into a bar, unaware temptation lies within. As she is talking about this good luck coin given to her parents she realises it is now hers. And whilst they had sealed it away, she could use it to turn her spiralling life around. Everything must find balance. One person’s luck is another person’s misfortune, Seren could be on the verge of getting everything she ever wanted, but can she live with the consequences?
Serendipity’s Debt by CA King is a paranormal tale and book two in the Welcome to Knollville series. In this book, we are introduced to Serendipity, aka Seren, as she attempts to turn her life around. We have all had bad days, so at once you can relate to her plight. She is a well-written character involved in a narrative far larger than he could even begin to imagine. As we watch her life begin to unfold, we are drawn n to witness the consequences, and of course, Knollville’s finest show the reader beyond the scope of Seren’s knowledge. Engaging, intriguing, and enjoyable it is easy to consume this in a single read. I can’t wait to see what book three has in store.
