K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 40
June 17, 2018
Book review: Ju Ephraime -Black Magic Man @JuEphraime
Jean Louis’ life had been governed by outside forces, first his Master, then the moon, and [image error]now the woman who had caught his eye. He was a Black Magic Man, or had been until his powers had been stripped ten years ago. Something about this woman, Solange, called to him, so much so he swore he could feel the stir of the shadows, the return of his nature. The most powerful phase of the moon was coming and with it a time when his powers, should they exist, would be at their height, and he would claim her as his own. He swore she was for him, and not even her husband, who Lange seemed to love passionately, could stop him claiming what he believed was his.
Black Magic Man is the sequel to Ju Ephraime’s White Magic Woman, whilst I could not comment as to if the two tales are linked, except by the practice of a black magic, I can confidently state this book is a stand alone story. Lange is the main focus of this erotic paranormal. We meet her and her husband and learn about their love and passion, and especially their intimate life. All the while Jean Louis watches, waiting for an opening to exploit to make her his. Jean Louis seems to use what I believe to be nocturnal Mubobobo to stalk, follow, and hunt the woman he lusts for, and as time passes he grows increasingly more frustrated. It is written in a simple third party perspective that will appeal to people not looking for an overly heavy read, whilst wanting to enjoy details of intimacy and the growing relationships through past recollections and steamy bedroom antics. I enjoyed the subtle cultural aspects of this book, as well as the suspenseful aspects of the plot that keeps you wondering how things will turn out.
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June 15, 2018
Book review : D G Lamb – Forging the Blade (@AuthorDGLamb )
Joshua felt like he owed Hobo, and he needed the money, so how could he refuse to help [image error]him retrieve something? He was only twelve, but his potential had not gone unnoticed, perhaps had he known the true cost of helping him that day his life would have taken a different path. But, again, he needed the money to survive, something statistics suggested would be near impossible. He did everything asked, performed better than Hobo had dared to dream, and his reward had been the loss of his freedom, or had it been the gift of life? A white room, a school like structure, all training him and other Recruits. But for what he didn’t know, only that they suggest he was better with them, and perhaps he could agree. But he was always one for questions, and some of them have answers perhaps best unknown. There is one thing he comes to learn, they are been forged, tempered and honed to be part of something bigger, something operating in the shadows.
Forging the Blade is the second Volume in D.G Lamb’s Driven to the Hilt. Despite no knowledge of events from the first book I found I had no issues in picking this up as a stand alone tale. D.G. Lamb writes with Dynamic formatting which, if I am quite honest, isn’t something I particularly enjoy, but I can certainly see its appeal. Joshua, the main focus of the book, is a fantastically conceived and deep character who shows tremendous strength, resolve, and growth, along with the other Recruits as they learn their place in this new life. The book is written in parts, each one focusing on a particular aspect or area of Joshua’s life, and the transitions, and transformations he begins to undergo. This is the kind of book that hooks you immediately and refuses to let go. It has so much to offer, from intellectual discussions, to an injection of comedy. D.G Lamb has created a believable cast, enjoyable plot, and exceptional story with some great descriptions, and incredible development. The choreography of the action scenes, even the subtleties of altering relationships are written brilliantly. There are layers to this plot, both visible and unseen. If you’re looking for a character-driven tale of intrigue, and growth then look no further.
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June 13, 2018
Book review: Joy Yehle – Dread (@JoyYehle )
The protesters warned them they believed there was a paranormal vortex in the woods. [image error]But no one, particularly not David Camden who had just purchased the abandoned development site, listened. Strange happenings can be explained away, accidents, frights, even the strange children with the empty eyes. But Nate knows there’s something strange going on, and soon other people begin to see it too. The terror is escalating, he needs to find answers soon before there is no one left to ask the questions. The entities, alien, vampire, ghost, whatever these things could be are upping their game, and Nate and those he cares for seem to be most affected, or at least the only ones willing to acknowledge that something is very wrong in Dark Pine Hills
Joy Yehle’s Dread has all the subtleties and atmosphere that I appreciated in the earlier works of Stephen King, such as The Tommyknockers and Needful Things. It is a not so typical ghost story, focused around the development site and school of Dark Pine Hills. There is tremendous character and setting building. The forging of relationships and the trials of everyday teenage life are paramount in this masterfully crafted tale. There’s a sinister, creepy vibe to the story, subtle at first and escalating as it would in any good book. It is so easy to be drawn into this haunting book that you’ll find it hard to put down.
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June 10, 2018
Book review: Trisha McNary – Alien Pets(@Trisha_McNary )
Antaska had longed to travel into outer space, but her only chance to do so was to be [image error]chosen by one of the Verdante. It was easier said than done since it seemed as if Potat, her cat, wanted to sabotage her at every turn. Despite this she was selected. But little did she know humans were to Verdante what Potat was to her, a pet. M. Hoyvil, her new owner, soon finds himself concerned for her safety when her initial attraction to one of the almost human trainers earns her a dangerous level of unwanted attention. Pair that with the fact she keeps hearing telepathic voices, and she’s in for one hell of a trip.
I found Trisha McNary’s Alien Pets really easy to get into. Written in character specific third party no question is left unanswered, from the musings of long-suffering Potat as she attempts to steer her pets’—both her human and the newly acquired Verdante—path, to the ever-darkening thoughts of Eegor. There is some great character development and author does an amazing job in creating believable science fiction settings and atmospheres. I really liked Antaska, but as a cat person I must admit Potat was my favourite character, if we could hear cats thoughts these would be very close. This book is filled with interesting ideas, and is fun to read’s strong character and her drive to improve, there were times where her stubbornness and reluctance to embrace her developing telepathy became frustrating, and not only to Potat. Conflict, uncertainty, adaptation and challenges, the markers if any big change, fill every page of this entertaining tale.
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June 8, 2018
Book review: Alon Lavie – The Rise of Europa Prince (@VENOMSECTOR42AL )
The timeline is off, events have been accelerated for one simple reason. Black Widow. A [image error]cold, callus, creature with her sights set of Earth. Her intelligence is well established, and the glass web, know everything. Well, almost everything, they are not at full capacity but that will change. Countries are dropping like flies to her control. Her arrival acted as a catalyst forcing the other insect species to bring forward their plans for hostile invasion. The Europa Prince is on its way housing the great invasion fleet. Ayaan, an agent for the US Department of Defence, is determined to stop her at every turn. Armies are building, alliances being formed and lost, and the very fate of Earth rests on the shoulders of but a few.
I often don’t like reading books written in the present tense, but the author made it so effortless that I didn’t really notice. The Rise of Europa Prince is the first instalment in Alon Lavie’s The Venom Sectors and whilst part of what I imagine will be a much larger series is easy to follow as a complete story in its own right. It is full of strong female characters with diverse and interesting personalities, not to mention packed with action, suspense, and a touch of mayhem. Things in this book go from bad to worse, an invasion fleet is on the way and the people of Earth have less time than expected to form a plan. Timescales are altered and the threat is upon them before they are prepared. A character driven plot like this allows ample time to develop characters, relationships and motivations, and the sci-fi aspects are easy, perfect for a newbie sci-fi fan who finds too much tech info overwhelming, while still holding appeal to regular sci-fi readers.
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Book review: Anthony Carinhas – Clever Ruse (@anthonycarinhas )
Fifty thousand pounds a year to every psychiatrist with the option to nominate a [image error]beneficiary to receive it on death was enough to keep most truth that the proprietors of the house wanted to keep secret remained undisclosed to the masses. When the house was built it was created with its own unique scruples and guidelines, and by 2028 guests had started to occupy it. But it was doubtful it was what many whispers thought it to be.
The first few quarter of Anthony Carinhas’ Clever Ruse reads a lot like a historical report, filling in the facts, manipulations, and evolutions of what would become the mansion and the structure, plots and schemes of those within. It is only after these foundations have been laid the narrative switches to adapt a third person omniscient perspective and you are introduced to the two main characters. In contrast to the previous chapters, you’ll find heavily dialogue driven progression and you come to learn of the roles in society they played and the impact they had on various lives. It shows how people with power turn situations to their advantage, and expresses them in the extreme, like foreclosing on a house because an elderly lady owed a matter of cents, and manipulation of student debt and immoral practices to keep a glass ceiling in place. There’s some things addressed that will make you think and reflect on the current state of affairs. The conversations follows the rise, exploitation and ultimate collapse of the world as we know it. It is a book of reflection focusing on the main characters, and with a revelation at the end you may not expect.
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June 7, 2018
Book review: Sam Knupp – Smoke on the Mountains
Pepper Anne Wright knew all too well the importance of being a doggy mummy, [image error]especially after last time, so when Rufus didn’t come when she called she left in search of him. She didn’t think of the danger, just preventing her father’s tears. Little did she know her actions that day would cause him more pain than she could have imagined. It is nearly Christmas, and when she doesn’t come hope people begin to worry. Authorities attempt to find her, hoping against hope that she is alive. But we know the truth, Pepper Anne has been murdered, and the hunt is about to begin to find the killer.
Sam Knupp’s Smoke on the Mountains is written with an engaging narrative filled with location appropriate colloquialisms that nurtures an authentic feel to the work. It is intelligently planned and written, with an insertion of humour in places that put me in mind of Douglas Adams. The characters are complex and developed just like setting. Sam Knupp clearly likes his idioms, and there are certainly no shortage of interesting ones, some set scenes, others moods. Every chapter starts with a title which acts to clarify timeline, and a thought, then ends on a ‘wisdom says’ note that put me in mind of daytime TVs final thoughts or thought of the day, but were related to the chapter being read. It is well paced with attention to detail, and enough suggestion and deception to point a finger, only for you to be surprised. I particularly enjoyed how the town and characters were built, and the after word at the end which goes on to tell you about the characters and what happened next. The almost poetic and contemplative style of writing may not appeal to everyone, but the good plot, characters, and development will keep a reader entertained for hours.
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June 6, 2018
Book review: Savannah Jezowski – After (@SavannahJez )
Conrad Ellis the Third, or Eli as he was known, was a spook. Spooks assisted the Royal [image error]Guard by turning the creepers loose in the Neverway and keeping them outside the city. But Eli had an uncanny sense when it came to them, he could smell the, sense them coming long before anyone else could. He was happy to earn his keep and support his stepfather and brothers. Long had he given up hope on his twin, Roman, obtaining a marker for any of them so they could live a better life deeper in the city. Eli had enough on his plate with supporting the family and hiding the fact he was afflicted, but when the same brother who had abandoned them came calling for a favour he knew he was in trouble. Roman was on assignment but a new injury left him unable to see it through. Failure would mean more than loss of status for Roman, it could cost him his life. How could Eli refuse? but with the hand he had already been dealt, perhaps he should think twice before accepting his brother’s burden too.
After is the first book in Savannah Jezowski’s The Neverway Chronicles series. Within this gripping tale you will find pages of rich and vivid descriptions, and wonderful scene setting. You really start to get a feel for the city and the Neverway, a place filled with creepers who were once the loved ones of those within the city. The characters are not only well developed as individuals, but their relationships have been given due thought and attention making it a real pleasure to read as you get to know about the characters, with small aspects and history revealed through such interactions. There is a very fleshed out feel to the world, and it is a growth I expect would continue in subsequent books. Pick this up of you want to lose yourself in a heart-wrenching tale where things seem to progress from bad to worse, but where glimmers of hope can sometimes light the darkness.
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June 5, 2018
Book review: Alix Nichols – The Traitor’s Bride (@aalix_nichols )
Major Areg Sebi dared to dream of a better life. Where people had access to level-two [image error]technology to make their quality of life and chance if equality better. He dared to voice this, his punishment was swift, swifter than any war criminal. First he was publically lashed, then forced to confess to a crime he did not commit. Etana, a laundry maid who shared his vision of the future, had but one chance to prevent this execution, invoking an ancient law. What she hadn’t realised was the lengths his captors would go to in order to ensure he was no longer a threat, or what the dangers stacked against her hero would unlock within her.
The Traitor’s Bride is the first book in Alix Nichols’ romantic science fiction series Keepers of Xereill. It is a romance with no lack of passion, all of which is tastefully executed and portrayed. The stakes are high as Etana tries everything within her power to save her hero, Major Sebi, and unlocks a gift someone of her class should not possess. You will love, you will hate, and you will pray that certain characters to get their just desserts. As the first book in the series you are given an excellent, but not overwhelming, sense of the world, social structure and way of life for the people of Eta. The Traitor’s Bride is a love story, but that is not all it is, it is an engaging, tense, and thrilling exploration of new worlds, the heroes and villains within and, of course, the many obstacles in love’s path. I certainly won’t hesitate to pick up the next book in this series.
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That’s all for now, snuggle down with a good book and don’t forget to KS the Dreamer x
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill author of The Forgotten Legacies Series
June 4, 2018
Book review: Athena Daniels – When Darkness Follows (@AthenaDaniels11 )
Rachel was part of a successful small band, Trinity Beat, until one night a cancelled gig [image error]left them at a loose end and they wound up exploring a haunted ghost ship. Rachel had always been drawn to the paranormal, but this place felt different. No sooner had they stepped foot aboard she wanted to leave. She should have listened to her instincts. She remembers the Ouija board, the strange behaviour of her friend Rob, but what she doesn’t remember was Trey’s murder, how she received the strange slashes on her back, and what had happened to Rob. The police are content to believe Rob was the killer, but knowing something else is afoot Rachel contacts Debunking Reality. This show explores the supernatural, and she prays they will help her find answers. In tow they bring her former lover, Daniel. The hunky detective she used to have a casual relationship with who now occasionally provides security for this show. Something sinister is lurking in the shadows, and while Rachel is determined not to cling to her ex, no matter the pull she feels towards him, something is determined to cling to her. She never should have gone aboard that boat, because something has been waiting for one of her ancestry for a very long time, and now that is has marked her it will never let her go.
When Darkness Follows is the fourth book in Athena Daniels’ Beyond the Grave series. As a supernatural suspense it certainly delivers on both aspects. from the very start you are introduced to the looming danger, watching as it escalates from tricks of the mind to physical manifestations. The danger is real, proven, and beyond anything either Rachel or Daniel feel equipped to handle. The dark plot is supported by a cast of unique characters, and even its own alternative sub-plot involving kidnapped students, making it an engrossing read. It is written in an alternating, character-specific third person perspective, allowing the reader to be drawn into the character’s minds and understand exactly what they’re thinking, feeling, and experiencing. It’s a nice touch which really adds to this story. As the fourth book in the series I’d be lying is I didn’t say I had felt like I’d missed a lot, and whilst not everything is made clear, a lot of the important things of the seemingly complex history is mentioned to allow the story to be self-contained. It doesn’t rely on knowledge from the previous books, but there are certain places where a reader of the series would be rewarded with their knowledge of what came before. This was a good romance / paranormal suspense, filled with danger, manipulations, uncertainty, and the occasional surprise to keep you on your toes.
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