K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 41

Book review: Rosie Burthom, The Doll (@BurthomRosie )

The doll had perhaps been the last straw for John, Janie’s father. Whenever he was taken [image error]into hospital his daughter was sent into care where she was bullied, beaten, and her things were stolen. Last time they had taken the keepsake given to her by her long deceased mother, a doll. John decided she would be safer with his old friend Nancy, she wasn’t homeless, as such, but was as close as could be. Strangely, protective services had agreed. Janie finds herself reluctantly following her father’s wishes, leading her path to cross with Meryl’s. A nightmare incarnate. There are many things she can’t understand, can’t believe. If she hopes to live and to prevent her nightmares from continuing to come true, then she must listen to Lilian, she knows about these things. But Janie is not willing to let Meryl go.  Perhaps had her father not worried about the doll she had lost, then that one would never have found her. Will she come to her senses before it is too late?

There’s a lot to like about The Doll, it is a supernatural thriller with some very real world experiences. Rosie Burthom writes in a simple style and weaves numerous aspects together to create an atmospheric and emotional tale. This is a perfect teen/ young adult read, and the author’s style, descriptions and prose remain true to this target audience throughout, while making it enjoyable to a more adult reader as well.

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Book review: Rick Scott, Dodge Tank

Ryan led a double life. In reality he was a 17 year old boy, relying on crutches to get [image error]through the day while he cared for his dying mother while his jerk of an older brother did seemingly nothing. But when he was in his rig he was Ryan, the miner, who saved endlessly to earn credits to make the rent with his friend Gilly. A new expansion sees a run on silver, and Reece uncovers a rare item with just one catch, the permanent stat debuff caused by his condition means he can’t use it. It is rare, untradable, and is a golden ticket to wealth. With it he could pay for his mum’s operation, and with a world boss on the horizon he could even make her life comfortable. Help comes from an unexpected source with some strings attached, he has to earn it by becoming a dodge tank, and pledging himself to their guild. He has precious few weeks to reach the desired level, but he has no idea about the truth of game or reality, if he did, perhaps he’d think twice.

Dodge Tank by Rick Scott focuses on a post apocalyptic world where the surviving humans have been forced into a network of underground bunkers. It is an immersive read filled with developing friendship and interesting characters. We follow Ryan’s plights both in game and out, and even the cross over between the two. It is an engaging, character-driven story filled with all the elements a LitRPG lover will come to expect. There’s surprises in store in this well-thought out book, and its plot is enhanced by a great cast of supporting characters, each with their own drive and motivations. I certainly look forward to where book two will take us.

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Book review: Sue Wilder The Fire in Vengeance(@SueWilderWrites )

Lexi just wanted to learn, she wanted to know how to defend herself. What she couldn’t [image error]understand was why Christian refused to be her mentor. Their last fight was a big one, he handed her off to Phillipe and made himself scarce. He loves her, so she keeps being told, he wants nothing more than to protect her, him, one of the most powerful beings, made even stronger through their bloodbond. But war is coming, and if Six manages to usurp Three then destruction of the likes humans have never seen will follow. The immortals enforcers, like Christian, are the front line, and those they care for are a weakness the enemy wouldn’t hesitate to exploit. But sometimes a weakness can also be a strength, and some weaknesses can be game changing.

The Fire in Vengeance is paranormal romance and book two in Sue Wilder’s Enforcer’s Legacy series. Whilst there are times it is clear that I was reading the second book in the series, the things not explained or clarified in no way hinder the reader’s ability to enjoy the story even if they haven’t picked up the first. It is written with an elegant prose, where vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue perfectly complement a cast of unique and exciting characters who drive the captivating plot onward. When you pick up this book, you’re picking up not only a paranormal romance, but a gripping tale of past-lives, looming threat, sinister happenings, manipulation, danger, regret, and increasing stakes.  It is hard not to be drawn to the characters, and harder still to put the book down.

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Book review: C. Wain, A Prayer for the Necromancer

Kaze had been sentenced to death, but his foes, including the High Mage King himself [image error]and the resources at his disposal, had greatly underestimated his abilities. Dark magic had been banished from the kingdom along with any who had once practised it, and Kaze’s crime was returning, or at least that was the reason presented. You would think after all he had done a debt would be owed, instead the king has a secret to hide, and seeks to further his own ambitions. Kaze will not forgive the treachery, and vows to expose him, and his dark agenda. There is more to the king and his desires than meets the eye, and the very fate of the land is in jeopardy. A quest so large starts with a mission so simple, to save a life.

The first thing that sprung to mind when reading A Prayer for the Necromancer is that C. Wain has to be a fan of anime, or perhaps has been inspired by some along the way. There is just an air of anime about this book. C. Wain writes in a simple, easy to follow style and introduces enough mystery and subtleties you want to keep exploring the pages. If magic, the supernatural, gods, adversaries, grudges and secrets, presented in an anime-like fashion is what your looking for then this book may be right up your alley. As the first book in the series it does set some good scenes and the characters, whilst sometimes generic, have their own little spark that keeps them interesting.

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Book review: Steven Ramirez, Even The Dead Will Bleed (@byStevenRamirez )

Phase one, infect a local population and turn them into engineered zombies. Phase two, [image error]relocate the patients who had the mutated strain for further experimentation. That appeared to have been the plan for Baseborn Identity Research, or at least the immediate one, but they hadn’t taken into account Dave Pulaski, and his insatiable desire to avenge his wife’s death. They were playing the long game, but Dave’s plan was simple, find Walt Freeman, the man responsible for his wife’s death and the carnage in his home town, and kill him. The zombies, however, have upped their game, they’ve evolved once from draggers to cutters, and now they flay their victims alive. Whilst Dave will stop at nothing to deliver his judgement, fate puts someone in his path who gives him a whole new purpose, this person is Sasha, and she is the key to everything. But those in charge won’t simply stand aside while he claims what could be their greatest triumph. Now he has a purpose, something other than revenge to die for, and nothing will stand in his way.

If you’re looking for a suspense filled, creative, well-executed, zombie apocalypse style read then you really want to give the Tell me When I’m Dead series a try. I came in at book three, Even the Dead will Bleed, but the Steven Ramirez does an impeccable job at filling in the need to know details in order to make stand alone reading possible. I really appreciated the insertion of Spanish phrases as appropriate, as a fairly competent speaker I was able to translate, however, the sentences are structured in such a way the meaning is clear even with no knowledge of the dialect. This action-packed zombie gorefest is not for the faint of heart as carnage as rising body counts are described in stomach churning, gruesome details, but at no point is character development sacrificed. There is a perfect balance of character growth and development, action, intrigue and suspense that will keep the reader hooked from the first page to the ultimate conclusion. I’ve read my fair share of zombie style books, and this one certainly stands up there with the best. It’s not your run of the mill, mass produced, zombie book, rather it is intricately designed, well-executed, imaginative and plausible. There’s a lot to the plot, and I enjoyed every revelation.

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Book review: Dr Shawn Phillips’ Darkened Demigod

Imprisoned, observed, goaded. This was the life the Demigod had endured for over a decade. [image error]The people who held him sent a new observer, the others had met their end, more often by his hand, or more precisely, his thumb. This one he named Bookworm, and to him he finally begins to divulge his secrets. He whispers of how a demigod is created, of sacrifice and of worship. This demigod had failed his people, failed to uphold the values they had expected of him, and he brought about the end. It had started so innocently, a desire to better the country, create a sustainable life, but allies became enemies, robbing him of his family, his motivations, but this had been his beginning, the time his power awoke. They need to understand him, to understand their kind. This demigod was the cause of the apocalypse, and now it seems he is the sole hope of the survivors.

There is a hint of American Gods within the pages of Dr Shawn Phillips’ Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War, specifically how worship creates power, although the mechanics take on a slightly different twist making their own miracle interventions via a petition for prayer. The characters are well-developed and their little mysteries and histories are slowly revealed as the characters gain depth and grow throughout the involved plot. Despite a steady paced start you’ll soon see a rise of momentum to create a super powered, dystopian, science fiction. There are some fascinating ideas, and many the scientific aspects are well explained, especially for those who know their stuff; clearly a lot of time, thought, and research was spent perfecting this aspect. This book has a bit of everything from comedy to involved science and philosophy, not forgetting the occasional twist or surprise to keep the reader on their toes. If you enjoy a science fiction space drama, then this will certainly appeal,  and as a bonus it also gives the reader a little something to think about themselves.

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Book review: Jennifer Chase, Scene of the Crime (@JChaseNovelist )

Chip was dealing with the aftermath of a crazed psychopath laying waste to his home six [image error]months ago the only way he knew how. He was keeping busy, restoring his home and working hard. But just because he was away from the crime scenes, didn’t mean the horrors of murder simply stopped. A string of bizarre murders saw the police chasing their tales, and if there was any evidence as to the perpetrator it would probably be overlooked given the state of the scenes. They needed an expert, they needed Doctor Chip Palmer. Soon his new team is on the job, but it could very well be more than they bargained for, especially when the killer strikes too close to home.

Being written in alternating perspective between Chip Palmer’s first person and alternative characters third person gives the reader a great opportunity to not only catch insight into the inner workings of the Chip Palmer Forensic Mystery’s protagonist, but also provides a fleshed out version of events, characters, and scene setting. And what a scene setter Jennifer Chase is. From the disturbing to the everyday, graphic and vivid scenes assault the reader’s every sense. Whilst Scene of the Crime is the second book of the series, it operates seamlessly as a standalone. Anything you need to know is explained in a way that not only fills in any blanks, but makes a reader curious and intrigued enough to want to visit the first book for a fuller picture. Written with brilliant prose and enhanced by vivid characters and a plot that keeps you on your toes, this is a must for mystery fans. If you’re looking for action, danger, mystery, and evolving characters and relationships wrapped in a high stakes situation, then look no further.

This book is also available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you’re a subscriber you can pick it up for free.

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Book review: Eichin Chang-Lim, Flipping (@EichinChangLim )

JonSun knew from the moment he caught a fleeting glimpse of her that his heart bellowed to the [image error]mysterious woman in the library. Vigilantly he returned, hoping to catch sight of her again, and when he did, the unimaginable happened. Despite being far beyond his reach, she agreed to go on a date. Her parents wanted her to marry a doctor, but as time went on she had only eyes for him, and was willing to sacrifice a life of comfort, even her family to be with him. Her father had told JonSun he would never be good enough, he was determined to prove him wrong, but knew the life he provided was less than she deserved. But this is not just their tale, and theirs is not the only relationship to watch.

Eichin Chang-Lim writes with an amazing talent and gift. In Flipping she takes the stories of two unconnected families and pulls you into their individual stories, their plights, desperation, and struggles, then brings them together. This isn’t just one story, it’s three, the tale of JonSun and SuAnn, The struggles of the McMeri family, and finally the third tale of Wynson and Christa. Each story Is part of the whole and is a struggle against the odds. The plot is gripping, emotional, heart-wrenching, and most of all believable. The writing and characters are filled with such emotion they bring the story to life. Eichin Chang-Lim has an amazingly polished, concise writing style that will tug at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you enjoy romance, conflict, struggles, and uplifting tales then this author is the one to watch. If you’re a KU subscriber like myself, you’ll also benefit from being able to grab this brilliant tale for free.

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Book review: Eichin Chang-Lim, The Lovelock (@EichinChangLim )

Childhood devastation had brought together the two hearts of Violet and Dylan, [image error]reuniting them when the time was correct. They were the perfect match for each other, and a token of love, a lovelock, was shared between them. This token offers a memory of good times as fate once more separates the two lovers and they go their separate ways, each living their own life. To say they did not go as they had planned would be an understatement. Their lives spiral out of control, and whilst they are no longer part of each other’s lives, they retain the token of their past, a source of comfort and despair. Can they take control of their own lives before they hit rock bottom, and will fate once more reunite those who remain connected through time?

The Lovelock is one hell of an emotional read. The first few chapters alone are enough to stir deep emotions. Eichin Chang-Lim knows how to write wrenching, gritty emotion that plays the reader like a fiddle forcing them to experience the highs and lows of the deep, vivid, flawed, and believable characters. The Lovelock is a heart-breaking tale of shattered dreams, uncertainty, despair, regret, romance, and just a touch of the supernatural. This book is written in parts, and each one is its own gem. Get a box of tissues at the ready, and see what plans fate has in store. I wouldn’t hesitate to read more work from this talent author who excels at infusing such raw emotion into their writing. Unquestionably a five-star read.

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Book review Erin S. Riley, A Flame Put Out (@erinsriley1 )

Selia had made her decision. She had stayed with her berserker husband despite being [image error]offered an escape. But having children altered things. Then came the day she feared Alrik, already despairing due to a devastating loss listened to a rumour, and turned his hand not only against her but against the children. Selia knew she had a difficult choice to make between the man she loved and the safety of her children. There is only one person who offered her sanctuary, but so long has passed would he even be willing to help?

Having read the first book I couldn’t wait for tiger my hands on the next instalment and it did not disappoint. Heartbreak, betrayal and secrets are paramount, and not just those Selia has been keeping from Alrik. As before Erin S. Riley conjures a believable setting and realistic characters, each with their own complex history bringing real depth to some amazingly portrayed characters. Care has clearly been taken to ensure the events and commodities accurately reflect those of the chosen era. A Flame Put Out is another brilliant read, and book three is certainly in my must read list.

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