K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 51

Book review: The Maker by D. F. Anderson

A separation and then divorce is difficult enough for any child, but for a new man to be [image error]abruptly inserted to Nate’s life as his new ‘dad’ was too much. Then came the mysterious parcel, the visions, the graphic drawings transferred from mind to page in terrifying reality. Not to mention the strange behaviour of his mother. Nate loved his dad, but it had been months since anyone had heard from him. He was  a neuroscientist, but like his son he had a passion for art. But there’s something  about Nate’s drawing that see him something desperately needed by the people of Meer. Abducted from his home in a white flurry he finds himself whisked across the stars to stand before Wishnal. This figure seems to know something of his father, but there’s no  time for  answers, an attack is imminent and Nate, it seems, is their only  hope, but he still has much to learn.

This book  is awesome! Vibrant and  energetic characters living in an amazingly  designed world. Meer put  me in mind of The Grove from Guild Wars 2, the use of plants to create homes, furnishing etc. I considered D. F. Anderson’s The Maker a fantasy/ Sci-fi with some parts making me think of Lovecraft, The Neverending Story, and a little bit A Monster Calls, as well as many great children’s fantasy both on screen and page. This book gets something I rarely give, and that’s my whole hearted recommendation. It may be labelled a children as book, and it will certainly inspire and engage that audience, but it also possesses great value as an adult read, after all, adults need magic and wonder too. In short, great writing style, brilliant ideas, gripping plot, funny to read  basically The Maker is everything you could want in a book.

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Book link:

The Maker




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Book review: The Far Haven Treasury by Aleksandra Laylan (@kbenart1 )

Aleksandra Laylan presents The Far Haven Treasury, an amazing combination of [image error]fantasy, romance, and action. This wonderful tome contains the third part of the Windflower Saga, Far Havan: A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice, but also enriches the saga by the inclusion of Alvina, Courage of Ansgar, and the second half of Swords of Ansgar. This collection provides a fantastic timeline from an almost medieval world to a more technologically advanced civilization. Watch how the past connects to the future, and step back to see the thread create a magnificent tapestry.

The Far Haven Treasury: A Quest for Certitude A Fight for Justice, is the third part of the Windflower Saga. Written with a flair and style I have come to both expect and appreciate from Aleksandra Laylan. These are stories of love, diversity, conflict, and acceptance. This is the fourth book I have read, and I have enjoyed every single one. The characters contain such depth and go through obvious growth and development. They are flawed, they succeed, they fail, and some even rise from the ashes of their failure. It is so easy to lose yourself in the culturally rich world crafted from Ms. Layland’s imagination. Here you not only have a world, but rich history, myths, legends, and familial heritage. Each book I have read works perfectly as a stand alone fiction, however, if you’ve read some of the other books you will be rewarded with a deeper knowledge, insight, and understanding of events and even clearly see how things developed to their current point. As the final part in the series it is every bit as epic as you would expect, clear your morning, make some snacks, because once you get started you won’t want to put this literary treasure down.

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Book link

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Book review: The Global View by W.L. Liberman

Writing his father’s biography while the man himself still lives, forced Bernard, or [image error]Bernie as he likes to be known, to also put himself under the microscope. His father, Ephraim Goldman, Eph, had written a book called ‘The Global View’, and it was a publishing phenomenon, and fame followed suit, placing Eph in the company of some of history’s legends. Julian De Groot had thought there was no better man for the job than the man’s own son. But his father was as much a stranger to him as to the rest of the world, perhaps even more so. This book was to be a true work, warts and all, but everyone has secrets, and they are often kept buried for a reason. Discover what secrets lie hidden in W.L. Liberman’s The Global View

I loved the narrative style of The Global View, it really pulls you in from the onset. The diversity of characters, from the career woman wife and mother Sharon, Bernie’s wife, to the gate crashing Egan there is such a cast you’ll be hard pressed not to find someone you like. The dialogue flows naturally, and the scenes appear to unfold effortlessly, it’s like reading poetry in motion, crisp and expressive. I loved the familial interactions, some of them, like the scenes with Bernie and his sons, remind me of scenes from my own life. Despite having nothing in common with the story I found it so easy to relate to, a testament to a true writing skill. One we of my favourite things was the letters written by Isaac, they filled me with intrigue as I wondered what part this stranger could have played on Bernie’s mother’s  life, and his  story was everything but as gripping and sometimes surprising events unfold around Bernie. W.L. Liberman creates a believable, realistic plot filled with intrigue and depth.

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Book link:

The Global View
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Book review: Cookie Johnson by Tank Gunner

21 year old James Jerome Johnson, of J.J. was a drop out, forced to take a job to support his mother and siblings, but conditions at his work place were getting to him. He joined [image error]the army, slipping the recruiter ten dollars to be directed to the cooks, he loved cooking, and to do so in the army would be perfect. But Recruiter Staff Sergeant Holt had other ideas, he signed the youngster up for the airborne infantry. Perhaps he could see something in him J.J. couldn’t see in himself, or maybe he did indeed just want to meet his infantry quota, but it seemed J.J. was a natural infantryman and more surprisingly, finds it fulfilling. His assignment is not without danger, after being injured in line of duty he discovers another unexpected surprise,  Lieutenant Katie Patton. But regulations are as clear as his own heart, but both have a message that contradicts. One states their relationship cannot be, and the other wants her regardless of the cost. Will J.J. choose love or duty? Find out in Tank Gunner’s Cookie Johnson.

Cookie Johnson has a great cast of characters, very real in behaviours and banter. Reading this really complex web of regulations, secrets, love, and  war will leave you blown away in a whirlwind adventure. Tank Gunner paints a vibrant picture of army life in Vietnam whilst building and array of characters you really root for. There’s so much to this book, it’s a tale of war and of love, and no two things are more complex. Gripping, thrilling, Tank Gunner succeeds in crafting a tale both solemn and uplifting, witty and insightful.

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Book link:

 

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill, Author of The Forgotten Legacies series

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Book review: Shadow Over Avalon by C.N. Lesley (@darkspires )

Arthur is breeding stock. He is exceptionally skilled, his life has been mapped out for [image error]him, his fate is sealed. Or so it is believed. Stealing away to the archives in order to learn more of his origins and the world, he discovers the tale of Ashira, a War Maid, who had been born in the very image of her own mother, the late queen, and her father did not approve. Headstrong and independent she receives cruel punishments at his hand for being a free spirit. But the cruellest is yet to come. It seems her worth is so little that he had devised the perfect means to dispose of her. Tragedy turns to hope, betrayal to freedom and love. But it was never destined to last.

Science fiction meets fantasy in a thrilling clash of knights and dragons as we are drawn into an alternative version of the Arthurian mythos. Gripping and thrilling, Shadow Over Avalon will take you on a whirlwind of a ride enriched by vivid and captivating characters. C.N. Lesley’s book crosses timelines to bring a tale of past and present, carefully woven and structured so the roots of one affect the other. This is a must for lovers of the genre. An action packed, character driven tale that will leave you wanting more.

Book link:

 

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill (KS the Dreamer) Author of The Forgotten Legacies series

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Book review: The Land of the Sourpie by J.S Skye

The Land of the Sourpie is a Beautifully written fairy tale written by J.S. Skye and book 2 [image error]in the Flurry the Bear series. Flurry had learnt many things since leaving the North Pole, his most favourite of all, the many varieties of food. He had been sent away from his family to learn humility. He had settled into his new home, made new friends, but when a letter from the North Pole came telling him he and his friends could visit, Flurry couldn’t contain his excitement. Little did he know when he reached his homeland there would be a surprise awaiting him, and it would lead him on an adventure he could never have dreamed.

The Land of the Sourpie possesses a fairy tale descriptive style that brings to life the charming tale for adult and child alike. J.S. Skye successfully portrays and addresses some major emotional issues that children may face and, under the guise of a fluffy teddy bear cub, teaches some important and valuable lessons. The reader is plunged straight into Flurry’s world in an action packed adventure written in level appropriate manner. As a parent I often say my child has a lot of big emotions for such a little person, to see this reflected in Flurry came as quite a surprise. This is what every children’s book should strive to be, fun with morals and lessons presented in a way the child reading it doesn’t notice they are there, and yet they recognise their value. Flurry really does portray the very persona of a child, from his child-like naivety, to his perception and outlook. His adventure will be loved by children, and appreciated by adults.

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Book link

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Book review: A Time For Glory by Martin L Strong

Forced to retreat as the Danes close in on their flanks Logan and Dawson flee. The [image error]Saxons were losing this battle. Reunited with their savage ally Arthos, they finally find the space to activate a strange device. Before the Danes’ eyes the three Saxon warriors vanished from sight. But that was not the end of this trio, it was simply the conclusion of another adventure. The year was 2143, and combat experiences were all the rage to stem the growing boredom of the masses. Time travel was just one of the benefits of being a member of the Iron Guild. There was a rule that was always upheld, you protect your shield brother. When Logan did his first ‘bounce’ he had fled, leaving Dawson to fend for himself, he had been shamed, but since that day he had upheld this rule. Logan and Dawson experienced many battlegrounds together, and as soon as they arrived back, had Logan was preparing for their next one. But it didn’t go as planned, from the very onset everything went wrong, resulting in grave danger to both of them. Separated and tortured they barely manage to escape with their lives, but, to his surprise, on his return he finds a lie had been woven, one which questioned his honour and destroyed his friendship. Sent into a spiral if despair Logan almost loses everything. Then comes the news, Dawson was missing. Logan will do everything he can to bring his friend back, despite Dawson vowing if their paths ever crossed again he would kill him. Discover ancient conflicts in Martin L Strong’s multi-layered tale, A Time For Glory.

A Time For Glory is part of Martin L Strong’s Time Warrior Sagas and makes for an action packed roller coaster of a read. From jumps and battles in history to character turmoil and conflict, Martin L Strong, successfully weaves a believable cast and world, and as in life everything and everyone has their own agendas. The author shows talent in both character development and imagery, making it easy to visualise everything that transpires. Enough futuristic elements to satisfy a sci-fi reader, while not alienating those who would shy away from the genre. Martin Strong presents excellent ideas to the theory and application of time travel, inclusive of the debates and repercussions of such an undertaking.

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Book link:

A Time For Glory

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Book review: El Sendero by Mark Reefe (@markreefe )

In Mark Reefe’s El Sendero (The Hell Walker Trilogy Book 2) concealed terror has come [image error]for the people of El Sendero and it falls to Finn to intervene. A tiny village has been found deserted, no trace of man or animal. The only thing there was an overbearingly creepy vibe, and Miguel was certain this fell into Finn’s new jurisdiction. There was a clue within a cryptic message, a beast from the earth has risen, fortunately, thanks to Finn’s ability they knew just where to look. A trail of darkness and corruption has been left in its wake. Although to see it you have to scratch the surface, luckily Finn’s eyes can do  just that. Finn and Miguel must learn the truth of their enemy, but in doing so will uncover more than they bargained for.

Mark Reefe has a very detailed and expressive writing style which easily enhances the tense situations as well as keeping the plot moving nicely during the slower moments. The characters development proceeds throughout the plot, and it is easy to get as feel for the already existing relationships. El Sendero is the  second book in The Hell Walker Trilogy, but can be read as stand alone without any problem. Finn and Miguel are racing against the clock to stem the corruption before it is too late, and it is impossible not to walk beside them on this sometimes terrifying journey. A tense and gripping read is written with style and attention to detail, both environmental and cultural.

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Book review: Dying Thoughts – Fifth Secret by Joey Paul @MsJoeyBug

Tara was in trouble. She had been forcing herself to believe it was a joke, perhaps even a cruel scheme from Jody. She would rather believe anything than what she feared to be [image error]the truth. It had started with a simple note, I know your secret, it warned. The notes were sporadic at first, but soon they were being delivered to her home, and at increasing frequency. It finally she had to admit the truth, this was something more than a secret admirer or a cruel joke. It was similar to the stalking her father had endured before her mother had been murdered. With no clues to work on Tara knows she must reveal her stalker before it’s too late, but how can she know who to trust when those she has faith in could be the ones responsible?

By now, having read all five of the books in this series to date, I can openly state that I am a big fan of Joey Paul’s writing. I was never a fan of first person narrative, but over the years I have found some brilliant examples, and this series is one of them. It feels like it is written for me, like Tara is telling me, and any reader will experience the same level of personal connection to the writing. Gripping, entertaining, and suspenseful, Dying Thoughts – Fifth Secret makes for a compelling read, I can’t wait until the next book is released.

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Book review: Three Brothers of Ansgar by Aleksandra Layland (@kbenart1 )

Forget of world’s and weaver of tales Aleksandra Layland has done it again in yet [image error]another wonderful tale. Three Brothers of Ansgar,  A Windflower Saga Novella book 26. Two years have passed since the death of King Ansgar, Kapa’a, Borgumik, and Koritane (Kori), are his three youngest son’s, still in the grips of youth when their father was taken from then in a tragic accident. Three stories within one gripping novel as you follow the uniquely different path each brother chooses.

I first came across the three brothers Kapa’a, Borgumik, and Koritane when I read Ansgar: Struggle of a People, Triumph of the Heart. This is now the third title I have read by Aleksandra Layland and I still find myself amazed at the sheer depths of the world, people, and culture. The author breathes life into a magnificent setting enhanced by vivid characters and captivating plots. Stories within stories unravel as you follow each of the three brothers as they each move toward their destiny. Whilst each journey is short, they each change the world in their own way, and the ripple effect of such choices will surely be seen by all to some degree. Aleksandra Layland has a clear flair for this style of work, succeeding in whisking the reader way to page after page of character driven adventure. You don’t read Three Brothers of Ansgar, you live it, and having read the book prior to this, as well as one that occurs some time later, I can in all honesty say this author continues to hone their craft.

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