K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 49
January 2, 2018
Book review: Seventh Dimension – The Prescience by Lorilyn Roberts (@LorilynRoberts )
Seventh Dimension – The Prescience is a religious fantasy fiction by Lorilyn [image error]Roberts. Shale and Daniel are caught amidst a bombing in Jerusalem. Using one of her unique skills Shale is led to help a newly orphaned child from beside her dead parents. The dog that brought Shale to the child said they were the ones God had called to look after the child, but at 18 they were little more than children themselves, despite their experiences. Trapped in Jerusalem they decide it is safer to head back to the first century where they had met, at least there they had a chance of discovering what was going on, and what was expected from them. The Antichrist will soon rise to power, and for some reason, demons have an interest in the child they had rescued.
A believable setting is enhanced by snippets of realism, such as people’s limitations. My favourite example being that a person who had studied a language couldn’t fluently understand the native speakers, and this is just one such example of attention to real life details. Seventh Dimension – The Prescience is a very religion oriented book, yet there are some original and interesting interpretations on ideas often used in such literature. As a reader you are rewarded with subtle intricacies which add alternative perspectives and interesting ideas. Good versus evil in the most primal sense. Angels of good against angels of evil, each attempting to turn the tide in their favour. The chapters are short and concise, making it easy to pick up and put down, that is if you can tear yourself away from the adventure. I read Lorilyn Roberts’ book in a single sitting, finding it engaging, action-packed, and fascinating. The main protagonists, Daniel and Shale, show growth individually and as a couple as they face the challenges before them with faith and unity trying to solve not only the mystery being the disappearance of Daniel’s father, but the meaning behind everything happening, and how it is connected. A great read, and easy to lose yourself in.
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December 31, 2017
Book review: Crossroads and the Dominion of Four by C. Toni Graham (@ctonigraham )
In a desperate attempt to stop Brigara—a powerful druid cast out from the [image error]Otherworld—from returning to the mortal realm through a portal the four teen heroes, Jake, Shayna, Conner and Senegal, known as the Dominion of Four had taken drastic measures, sealing the portal between the worlds to keep Brigara trapped within the mortal realm. There was, however, a drawback. The price of sealing her had meant they too were trapped in a world that was not their own. But these four teens had been long awaited, it was said they would bring harmony back to Otherworld. They were destined for greatness, but when they don’t know who can be trusted, or what secrets are being kept from them how can they hope to succeed, especially when Brigara’s influence is extensive, and it seems they will never be safe from her reaches. Unravel the prophesies and unlock the truth in C. Toni Graham’s Crossroads and the Dominion of Four.
Crossroads and the Dominion of Four is a young adult high fantasy written by C. Toni Graham. Readers are drawn instantly into a world of magic and magical beings as our young heroes make their way through the Otherworld in order to undertake the training they will need to become the heroes of prophecy. All the time, in the mortal realm, Brigara puts a new plan into motion. The impression of this magical world is continued in small details, such as natural remedies, leaf compresses, everyday things aligned to the natural and magical world. This unlikely group of friends form a team to be reckoned with, and you’ll witness the growth and development of their skills, friendship, and characters throughout their whimsical, action-packed, and danger-filled journey. This is a fantastic and magical read for lovers of everything that is fantasy, well deserving of five stars.
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December 17, 2017
Book Review: Bounty by J.D. Cunegan (@JD_Cunegan )
Jill Anderson had already spent three years serving the people of Baltimore, it had [image error]allowed her to build up a tolerance to crime scenes, but it took every ounce of her restraint not to react to this one. If her peers knew she had known the victim she would be off the case. But she knew her special insight would help to find the people responsible. The victim of the brutal murder was Trent Roberts. He was a recognised scientist, best known for his work in prosthetics and cybernetics. There was, however, another thing, something spoken of only as hushed rumours, and that was Project Fusion. Jill had first-hand knowledge of this secret undertaking, in fact, unbeknown to anyone, Trent had made her into the woman she was, and his dabbling could very well be the reason he lay there now. She wanted nothing more than to solve this case, but to do so must risk exposing a secret she has fought endlessly to conceal.
With a great strong female lead bursting with personality you’ll find it easy to be swept up in a kick ass cybernetic mystery. J.D. Cunegan‘s Bounty is filled with suspense, action, and development. Police by day, vigilante superhero by night. A diverse plot with subplots carefully ingrained builds a brilliant setting and gives the world a fleshed out feel. A definite must read for Marvel/DC fans. It’s an enjoyable and engrossing read, with enough twists and intrigue for mystery fans, and enough sci-fi for lovers of the genre. A perfect combination in a dazzling read.
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The Cosmic Cases of Chevy California by Aaron Ramsay (@AaronTheAuthor )
Chevy California wasn’t your run of the mill private eye, not by a long shot. She was also an Enforcer. A p[image error]erson charged to deal with things that exist, but should not be here. Her Conductor, Detective Jean Timber, certainly has his hands full. People will always play around with forces they don’t understand, but worse are the ones who know exactly what they’re doing. Influence reaches far and wide, and when Detective Timber enlists Chevy’s aid on a simple task, neither of them imagine what they will uncover. If there’s one thing Chevy knows it is that something is always knocking, waiting for a chance to emerge in our world. It only takes one person to open their door, and someone is planning to do just that. Sit back, relax, and be drawn into the dark world of Aaron Ramsay’s The Cosmic Cases of Chevy California.
The Cosmic Cases of Chevy California, in places, reminds me of House of the Dead meets Residential Evil, Constantine and Lovecraft. There were parts of this, such as the grenade launcher which, having played a fair number of survival style games, made me chuckle. Aaron Ramsay really gives you a feel for the characters, and their impact on each other’s lives. Chevy makes for a great no-nonsense protagonist, but even she is brought to heel by Leona, her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Dark and harrowing, Chevy’s cases are all uniquely different, but they have one thing in common: people are messing with forces best left alone, and what better setting can you have for a book focusing on cosmic horrors? The book itself takes place in 1975, and Aaron Ramsay brilliantly reflects the attitudes and reactions of people of that era. This is a brilliant read that lovers of the genre will definitely want to add to their collection.
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Book review: Guardian of the Dead by S.E. Davis
Ariana Dewitt was the product of a teenage pregnancy, born to a child of 14 who had [image error]tried to take the life growing within her countless times after being told by her mother she could not abort the baby she had conceived. But it seemed Ariana had a guardian of sorts, and not just preventing her mother’s attempts, but later as a girl she was saved from death by an unfamiliar boy, she got to live on, and a path of fate was carved before her. After her mother was released from the hospital from the stabbing, which should have left Ariana dead, they were forced to stay with her grandmother and strange things started to happen. Ariana was torn from her reality, pulled into a world she had no understanding of. Her grandmother said she had been touched by the spirit of her great grandmother. She too had these visions. Ariana must come to learn what is needed of her, and the power she truly wields, if she hopes to save Betty from an eternity of torture at the hands of the one who had murdered her. But her interference will have consequences, discover what awaits in S.E. Davis’ Guardian of the Dead
Guardian of the Dead is a story of hardship and challenges, friendship and perseverance. We first meet Ariana as a young and confused child raised in a harsh environment, throughout the book we watch her grow and change until she finds the strength needed to not only protect Betty, but others too. A well rounded and suspenseful tale, you will be pulled through the pages and surprised by some of the twists this journey pulls you through. S.E. Davis’ weaves a believable tale in a smooth and easy manner.
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December 13, 2017
Book review: The Falcon Strikes by Gabrielle Mathieu (@GabrielleAuthor )
Drawn to Ireland in the hope of preventing a repeat of the horrific events in Switzerland, [image error]Peppa finds herself on a desperate search for the arms dealer responsible for the devastating toxin. But just as Horus had a nemesis in Seth, so too is there a totem out there with a power and strength as dangerous as her own. While Peppa was hunting for answers, and the elusive Silvia De Pena, she too was being hunted. A surprise gift from a secret admirer warned her just how resourceful her new nemesis was, forcing her to take shelter with her ailing and estranged grandmother. Peppa finds herself amidst the IRA conflict, where even your choice of whiskey can have brutal consequences. Can she stop De Silva before she can peddle her devastating poison?
As we rejoin Peppa be prepared to notice an increasing development in the characters, not only Peppa and her bond with Cora, but we also come to learn more about Silvia De Pena. Having left her love, Peppa makes some difficult choices as she faces perhaps her most dangerous challenges yet. Gabrielle Mathieu writes in the first person narrative, with a talent I have rarely seen applied to this perspective. She has a skill for drawing the reader in, and the descriptive manner of her writing conjures a perfect atmosphere. Set in 1957, the author shows great attention to detail and avoids the common traps authors writing outside a modern timeline fall into. This is a really fantastic series, and although I have read the first book, The Falcon Flies Alone, this book, The Falcon Strikes, could be read as a stand alone, because almost everything you need to know from the previous book is carefully explained as part of the plot. If you’re looking for an insightful, imaginative, gripping read filled with mystery, threat, feuds, revelations, and even a spark of romance, then look no further than this mystifying tale.
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December 10, 2017
Book review: The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash (@iammichaelokon )
The History Major is a paranormal novella written by Michael Phillip Cash. Amanda [image error]Greene awoke awash with confusion, she remembered drinking too much, but not what had happened, nor why she hurt so much. Things seemed to have changed overnight. Trees that were thick and luscious yesterday had succumb to Autumn in the space of a single evening, almost as if a mirror to her own heartache. She and her boyfriends Patrick had fought, and now he was out of her life forever and already she felt lost without him. But this was not all that had changed, her timetable was no longer the one she remembered, her classes had altered, she found herself scheduled for History, something she had wished to avoid, and it seemed no one was willing to correct the mistake. It is said people get trapped in history, and as the doors close and she is forced to her seat these words take on a while new meaning.
I thought Michael Phillip Cash’s way of integrating history with their story was brilliant. We meet Joan of Arc, portrayed in a fashion that is wonderful to read, though I’ll admit to not being much of a history reader, but I found this portrayal fit the style of an urban fantasy book perfectly and reflected exactly what they were attempting to achieve brilliantly. Lucrezia Borgia and other characters all appear to lend a helping hand in ways you’d never imagine. I was completely enthralled by this story, wondering exactly what had happened, what the dark force stalking her was, and how she came to find herself in this strange situation. I enjoyed it so much I was actually disappointed when it finished, although it finished at the perfect point. This is certainly a griping read, with some unique ideas and philosophical applications. For a fascinating, intriguing read look nor further than The History Major.
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December 9, 2017
Book review: SEEDS The Journey Begins by Cary Allen Stone (@CaryAllenStone1 )
Humanity was about to embark on a new frontier. Returning to the role of Explorer they [image error]were destined to be. Only this time they were going further than any have been before. Their destination, Titan. Mother Earth was angry with her children, exhausted of resources and her anger rained down on those committing matricide. There would be no hospitable climate, no redemption, and so they turned their sight to the sky’s and the space race began.
This is not the first book I’ve read by Cary Allen Stone but it is the first science fiction by this particular author. Reading, SEEDS The Journey Begins just goes to show his diversity and a writer as he brings you a dystopian Earth and a race to be ready to leave before either man or nature pull the final plug. Within the pages you’ll find a wealth of technology and written in a plausible and understandable manner. Cary Allen Stone has some amazing ideas and meshes know theories with their own ideas and challenges. As a character driven plot you’ll find yourself drawn into their world, and watch them form new relationships and mature as people. This was good read, and I imagine one that will be readily embraced by sci-fi fans.
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December 7, 2017
Book review: Alterni by Sunshine Somerville (@kynacoba )
It is rare for me to be so quickly taken in by a book, but there is just something about Sunshine Somerville’s writing style that reels you in. Time flies as you effortless turn page after page learning more about the alternative world, its culture, people, magic, and the threat and hardships it faces. The characters are instantly likeable and are moulded by their own experiences. They are complex, fallible, flawed, and amazing, each in their own right with their own strengths. Alterni (The Alt-World Chronicles Book 1) shows magnificent world building, structure, and storytelling, all of which add to a sense of realism behind the fantasy plot. I rarely recommend books, but this is one book that gets my unquestioning recommendation to anyone looking for a good read. Alterni is filled with suspense, action, intrigue, heartbreak, magic, conflict, mystery and so much more, all while taking you on a thrilling journey of growth and change. There are a lot of subtle touches and unexpected revelations, this is a book that will not leave you wanting. It has definitely made its way into my top personal ten books for this year. I can’t wait to see where book two takes us. This is a series I am genuinely excited about. Well done Sunshine Somerville!
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December 6, 2017
The Abode by Patricia Mather Parker (@pmparker6)
The Abode was run by Mrs Smilt and her husband. There were rules for everything, [image error]and severe punishments for any breaking of the never ending list. Fel had escaped, but not before becoming attached to some of the children there, specifically Molly, whom she had taken under her wing and shown the ropes. In return, Molly showed her how to use The Summoning, a special way of communicating via thoughts. It was a talent she had never trusted anyone enough to reveal to before. Fel had almost been of the age where the visitor could take her and, despite rule number five, she decided she would rather risk death in the mist than the alternative. Molly waited, losing hope of ever seeing Fel again, but then a message reached her. Fel was coming, and her arrival would unlock a destiny she’d never imagined.
For me, The Abode by Patricia Mather Parker had a little bit of a Roald Dahl/Neil Gaiman feel to it. Whilst it’s aimed towards a child audience, she has successfully done what so few can and has made it equally enjoyable for adult and child alike. It is packed with tension, action, adventure, and mystery, and yet it is also a tale of discovery, both of the self and of the world. You’ll find yourself falling in love with the characters. This is a charming book where creatures of myth are as real as the horrors being suffered by the children trapped within the Abode. The charm is enhanced by beautiful fonts and chapter headers with illustrations. This was a read I truly enjoyed.
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