K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 44
April 10, 2018
Book review: Dawn Chapman’s Desert Runner (@kanundra )
Everybody knew you didn’t cross the desert plains when it was Tromoal breeding [image error]season, to do so was a death sentence. That didn’t stop Maddie though, her old injury was causing her distress, her health slowly decreased, and she needed more potions. If she took this job, a mission to make an important delivery, she could afford what she needed and more, not to mention the bonus of some of the payment transferred upfront so she could prepare. When she reaches Trox city, she soon discovers this delivery is not at all what she expected.
Desert Runner is the first instalment in Dawn Chapman’s Puatera Online series. It is a fun read with some good world and character building. With it being from an NPC perspective, something I had not encountered before, there is less ‘game talk’ but with her own awareness Maddie understands more about this world, and the visitors, than most. It is fun, enjoyable, and I will certainly be I trestles to see where book two takes us.
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April 4, 2018
Book review: S. A. Gibson’s Pratima’s Engines (@gibsonauthor )
Pratima was summoned, the Duke required help with some technology, and she was just [image error]the person he needed. Long ago the Collapse was thought to be caused by human arrogance, they believed their thoughts were truth to be displayed and enforced. The libraries set rules, rules intended to keep everyone safe, and it appears the Duke’s secret antics are a direct violation. Can his intentions be uncovered before terror ensues?
S. A. Gibson’s book, Pratima’s Engines is set is set in a futuristic era, where technology has reverted back to the olden times following the Collapse. It is a short and gripping read, and as a bonus also contains a second story, Asante’s Gullane Journey. Genre wise it is a cross between dystopian and steam punk. Short, enjoyable, with good characters.
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Book review: Robert Medmenham’s The New Party
The end of the world is upon us. People cower in their homes, holding their loved ones [image error]close as the bombs begin to fall, dreading the inevitable, fearing their death. But there are a few who know how to find escape from this total annihilation, perhaps for a whole lifetime. Years ago VirTim, Virtual Time, was banned. It was a means that could extend a single living second into weeks, months, even years in game depending on how crowded the server was. Those who knew where the few remaining games still hosting this could be found, logged in, and chose how they wanted to spend their end of days. Ryan is one such man, but with busy servers he is forced to choose his low level mage, knowing that a single death will kick him from the system, and he may never get back in. But the game world is not the same place as he left it. It seems the rules have changed.
The New Party is the first instalment in Ryan’s adventure, following his journey as he reacquaints himself with his old character, and seeks to find a means to survive, build a community, and live out his remaining days. It was a fun read, and for a short story I started to get a real feel for the characters and their motivations. Book two is certainly something I will be picking up. These bite sized books make for a perfect bedtime read, and give the promise of a fascinating adventure.
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April 3, 2018
Book review: Karen Glista Chasing the Red Queen (@ElizabethGlist1 )
Donja’s mother has just remarried, and with that came a new upheaval. She was glad her [image error]mother had found someone after her father’s death, but she had not been prepared for the change. Forced to leave her home and friends she finds herself in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. But this is just the start. A serial killer is on the loose, targeting young female Chippewa, slicing their throat and draining their blood. Little does she know she is about to fins herself in the sights. Her rare blood type makes her desirable. Those who know the myth and prophecies, know she is the last chance of obtaining true power. Donja is about to be exposed to a world she is no where near ready to face, and it is one she may not survive.
Brilliant, simply brilliant. I have read a number of books by Karen Glista, from LitRPG to the paranormal, this lady is made to write. She shows a fantastic imagination, and never fails to create a cast of vibrant and realistic characters. She writes in a way that will make your pulse race, or your heart skip a beat. She has lust, attraction, action, horror, and tension building down to a fine art. I loved the characters, from the somewhat unsure Donja being pulled from her security, to Torin, the passionate heartthrob with a promise he would move the world itself to keep. Buckle down, and prepare to be drawn into an amazing adventure; a mystery, wrapped inside a myth, explored within the realms of paranormal romance and so much more. I simply loved this book, and it is deserving of some words I rarely utter, I highly recommend Chasing the Red Queen. It is easily the best paranormal book I have read this year.
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April 1, 2018
Book review: O.Z Diggs Himself Out by Ron Baxley Jr. (@RonBaxleyJRofOz )
O.Z. Diggs the seventh, descendent of Oz the Great and Terrible Wizard, like all male [image error]heirs in his family, was cursed by the wicked witch of the West. Or so the story which had been passed through many generations had been told. He was the storyteller now, and the last of his line, fated by the witch’s curse to never produce an heir. But he does think he has found a way out. In order to break the curse and thus allow himself and his family to return to Oz, he must be recognised as a descendent of his distant relative. Things seem to be in motion, he has come across one of the magical staffs owned by Oz, and through it he received a message about a band of good wizards and witches that were cast also from Oz. They call themselves the Society of the Walking Cane, and he is certain they can help him. But as is always the case, there are those of good, and those of evil, and those of evil will stop at nothing to ensure the witch’s curse remains in place. Can he break the curse, or is he fated to be the end of his line, find out in Ron Baxley, Jr’s O.Z. Diggs Himself Out.
O.Z. Diggs himself out is a spin off of the popular Wizard of Oz, focusing around the distant descendants of the original Wizard, and a curse bestowed upon his line. Ron Baxley, Jr. writes in an imaginative first person perspective style which along side a serious plot has elements of humour, and darker humour to it. As stated in the book, the lines between the real adventure, and that immortalised through the story have been altered, this allows Ron Baxley, Jr. to take something familiar and turns it to their own devises. There is a lot to like about this story, adventure, scene building, it definitely fits quite nicely into the fantasy genre, and will appeal to that audience. Imaginative, fun, and enjoyable O.Z. Diggs Himself Out makes for an entertaining read whether you’re a fan of the Wizard of Oz or not.
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March 29, 2018
Book review: Lady Saera’s The Wizard of Crescent Keep
It all started at a curiosity shop, where curiosity really did get the better of Christopher [image error]English. He found an old chest, locked, sealed, and seemingly empty. He knew he had to have it, to find a way to open it and discover what was hidden inside. They say curiosity killed the cat, in this case it killed the boy, or at least made it so he could no longer be who he once was. For all intents and purposes he was dead. Whisked away to another world, Chris became a thing of the past, and Crescent was born. Years pass, with no way to return home he is schooled in magic and adapts and excels in the new world. But something is amiss. A sorcerer called Minger claims to have a cure for vampirism. Crescent has had suspicions about this figure for some time, strange deaths and bizarre happenings follow him. Crescent is finally in reach of an answer, close to the evidence he needs to stop this villain, unaware his investigation has left someone he cares about vulnerable, or the debt he is about to incur.
The Wizard of Crescent Keep Special Color Edition Book One (Volume 1) is a fantasy novel written by Lady Saera. She possesses an enjoyable narrative, a style which is simple, yet engaging, something that would easily appeal to the young adult audience and tells a tale of magic, romance, and villainy that, like many aspects of the books, is straight from a fairy tale. Disney meets the original Brother’s Grimm in the darker side of fantasy, where murderous and scheming villains manipulate and exploit naïve maidens for their own amusement and gains. The characters are interesting, I really liked the poor Sir Raven Knight, something about the poor cursed bird tugged the heart strings. I thought the map near the start of the book was a brilliant addition, as were some of the illustrations included, they really added a touch of something extra in a beautifully presented book. The Wizard of Crescent Keep is an easy, enjoyable read, that you will easily lose hours to.
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March 27, 2018
Book review: T.L. Howard’s The Final Choosing
It had taken his last moments in this world, but he recorded the truth. Perhaps his record [image error]would be the only copy of what had been done, and in turn what he had done. Evidence, scriptures, it all was to be destroyed so no one would almost destroy the world itself in an attempt to fulfil a prophecy. The Abbot had thought only his predecessor could open the spell which bound it and learn the truth. He had been mistaken. Faldyn, returned from the dead by unnatural means, has discovered a trail, notes leading to clues, leading to the prophecy, and he intends to exploit what he has learnt, but doing so will result in the world being torn from existence as if it had never existed. There was a prophecy, but he was not the one chosen to fulfil it, and any seeking to use it but the one selected will bring about the end.
The Final Choosing by T.L. Howard is a steady paced fantasy, building slow momentum through the journey of two opposing forces, Faldyn, who seeks to fulfil the prophecy and name one true god, and Mirah, the one approached by the divine themselves in hope to stop him. Port to port, town to city, winter to spring, you will be awed by the magnificent descriptions, crafted in such a way to conjure spellbinding scenes. The characters are as deep as they are diverse They are well-rounded, developed, and show great growth throughout their journeys. Watching Mirah try to make sense of the false trails, red herrings, and deceptions, whilst attempting to solve the cryptic riddle and understand exactly what she is trying to prevent is masterfully done. We watch and are told the reasons behind Faldyn’s misdirection, at each turn we know what must be done, and will her to realise the deception. This is a plot you cant help become invested in, and a journey you will most certainly enjoy.
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March 26, 2018
Book review: Eddie Price’s One Drop – A Slave
Doctor Thomas Applegate was on the brink of financial ruin. His vices, gambling and [image error]drinking, played their part and made him the perfect pawn in Jules Signet’s scheme. It was a time of racial intolerance, and people openly expressed their small minded thoughts, Signet not only shared this viewpoint but planned to exploit it to his gain. When his plan succeeds, he realises its true potential, and casts his powerful net far and wide. Embark on an emotional journey of manipulation, strategy, and change in Eddie Price’s One Drop – A Slave.
One Drop – A Slave is an engrossing and rich read filled with vibrant settings and a rich history remaining true to the era in which it was set. The characters are amazingly and believably constructed, so much so they could be based on real people, and even real events. It was a thrill to read. Hardships, weaknesses, plans, manipulations, exploitations, abuse of power and knowledge are but a few veins of a story every bit as complex as life itself. The characters you meet are rich, developed, and continue to be shaped as the plot progress, morals and regrets are pitted against fear and consequences. There are some evils, some actions that need to be stopped, and watching the characters’ epic and challenging voyage and their own personal journeys is truly a pleasure to be a part of. Eddie Price’s writing will surround and envelop you, drawing you into the page, making it difficult to tear yourself away from. It’s a long book, just the way I like them, but I never noticed the length as I was reading, there’s so much to explore and enjoy within the gripping plot that the pages sail by, even the most casual reader won’t notice the length as they are whisked away across land and sea. Prepare to be emotionally stirred in every way imaginable.
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March 23, 2018
Book review: Scott A Johnson’s Shy Grove (@HorrorScott )
Gary could never have afforded a house like the one left to him by his estranged aunt. It was large, it came with a barn, a [image error]large plot of land, and a history none of them could have ever imagined. It was summer break, so Gary took his family there to complete inventory, sell off the things worth parting with, and maybe, just maybe, repair some of their family bonds. But this house has a past, the land has a memory. Strange and eerie happenings start to occur, and surely they can only be dismissed as strange quirks of the house for so long. But Gary seems happy, like he belongs, or at least, like the person he is slowly becoming belongs. Can they realise the danger in time, what secrets did this house harbour, and why does their presence within disturb the people of the town? Find out in Scott A Johnson’s Shy Grove.
I loved the initial subtly of Shy Grove: A Ghost Story, easily dismissible happening, stray thoughts, bizarre happenings. The gradual change in Gary’s personality is fascinating to observe and, as a reader, you do so with both fear and dread. Scott A Johnson writes with fantastic skill to conjure great atmosphere, tension, and concern for the characters. The gradual escalation is presented masterfully and the plot has a few surprises is store. You get a great feel for the characters, who they were, who they are, and who this place is forcing them to become. This is certainly one of the best ghost stories I’ve read this year, once it has you in its thrall you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away.
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March 20, 2018
Book review: Richard Nell’s Kings of Paradise (@rnell2 )
His mother had given everything she had to protect him. Born Noss touched there were [image error]those who would call Ruka cursed. Children like him were not allowed to live in some places, although some northern laws protected them from the death sentence that people were all too willing to preach was right. She loved him, she believed he was a child of prophecy, one who would destroy and create the world anew. Ruka however believed no such things. He lacked his mother’s faith in the gods, and sought only to live. But he was an outlaw, unjustly accused and unfairly sentenced. He vowed to survive, to live on for his mother. He took everything that was good and buried it in a haven of his own making, a place he could be all he wished, a place where things in the real world didn’t matter. Except they did. While he tries to survive, a young Prince tries to find his place within the world. Sent to the navy, unsure of his calling he finds comradery and earns the respect of many. Before both these men lies a difficult future, one that will either save the world or see it burn.
There a complex depth to the characters in Richard Nell ‘s Kings of Paradise (Ash and Sand Book 1) I enjoyed watching each of their developments, Dala, Kale, and Ruka have very different stories, different lives, and yet all three are destined to change the world. I loved how these characters grew and changed when challenged by circumstances. Weakness become strength, and the power and strength of an idea is central to this story. Written with a flair fitting to the world of fantasy, and a passion the reader can’t help but experience. There is so much depth to plot, characters, world building, hierarchy, you can’t help but be drawn into this world of darkness, entitlement, and hatred. Sometimes things must be destroyed to be built anew, a theme explored this impressive tale. Love, betrayal, loyalty, honour, and sacrifice, God’s and men, agendas, politics, and manipulation, what more could you ask for? A must for lovers of fantasy, especially those who enjoy losing themselves in a epic tale.
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