K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 56
September 18, 2017
Book review: A Halloween’s Curse by C.A. King (@PortalProphecy)
Willow and her friends have a lot to learn. Forced to flee their home world they ended [image error]up on Earth, a place with unfamiliar customs and technology. But none of that is really a concern, not when they consider the danger faced by the people here as King Cornelius advances his plan to dominate every realm. Some he wants to destroy, others, like this one, he wants to control. Worse still, Mike is still missing, and Halloween, the time marked by the next prophecy approaches. Can Willow successfully interpret the prophecies and stem the approaching dangers?
Something that shouldn’t walk this realm is loose, and it’s sights are set on those with power, but is it behind the disappearances of those with magic, or is something more sinister afoot?
This is the fourth book I have read by this author, so it seems time to admit that I am now a fan. The fact I’ve just purchased book three in this series, and eagerly scan through her other works is a testament to her ability to weave a story. The characters are well-developed, with magic being important but not overpowering and all encompassing. The story is plot driven, intricate, and filled with mystery. I’ve read the book that comes before this one in the series, but it could be read as stand alone as each story is contained, while part of something much larger. A must for lovers of urban fantasy, magic, and character driven and detailed plots.
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September 14, 2017
Book review: A Keeper’s Destiny by C.A. King
The first thing I did when I finished this book was to buy the next one in the series. I loved everything about this book, the vivid characters, the forming relationships, the developing powers, lore, realms, history, magic. The list goes on. I read a lot and this is easily one of the best books I have picked up this year. I rarely get this excited about a series, but this is a must read. brilliantly written, well-paced, immersive, honestly, I can’t find the words to praise this book enough.
Book link:
The Portal Prophecies: A Keeper’s Destiny
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September 12, 2017
Book review: Answering the Call by C.A. King
Jade’s dreams are unsettled. At first she blamed the horror movie she and her friends [image error]had watched, but sleep was something she desperately needed, and with her father about to make his position in equal rites of races from all realms known, it was something in short supply. She had no choice but to live the nightmare, but it was in fact a message, one destined for her. A new future is being written, new dangers and adversaries are rising, and these seven are ancient, dating back to the time sin was named. There are seven of them and she must find the strength to survive them all.
Surviving the Sins, answering the call, is the beginning of what promises to be an interesting and involved series. I was introduced to this author’s work when I came across Tomoiya’s Story: Escape To Darkness, which I enjoyed reading, and this book was no different. I am actually going to circle back to The Portal Prophesies series, as I believe it comes first and I am eager to read more work from C.ng. Answering the Call is a fast-paced, character orientated read which you’ll struggle to put down.
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September 11, 2017
Book review: The Deaduction agency by Terry Tumbler
Whether you are a believer or not is irrelevant, psychics have been employed to solve [image error]crimes that have otherwise left officials stumped. There’s no denying there are those seeking fame through theatrical displays wrought with reading body language and fishing. They are the chaff, but for all the charlatans, fakers, and scammers, there are also the real deal, the wheat so to speak, those with a genuine connection. The Deaduction Agency are just that. They commune with the spirits of the dead to discover the truth behind the crimes. Richard Pencil and his team, under the guidance of a mysterious benefactor, are soon inundated with work, some are cold cases which some of the team recognise, others are new and disturbing investigations. Not just anyone’s could solve these cases, they would be impossible to solve by ordinary means and rules. Fortunately The Deaduction Agency play by the rules of a whole other world.
The Deaduction Agency is the fourth book in The Dreadnought Collective written by Terry Tumbler. The book itself is a collection of different cases undertaken, things from a husband acting untoward , to those of a more serious nature. I particularly appreciated how something seemingly innocent and straight forward grew more complex as the investigations continued, the progress was brilliant. What was sometimes deemed a cut and dry case became a tangled web of intrigue which kept me turning page after page, and reading scene after scene. There are many nice touches to this book, the development of characters and their relationships, but one of my favourite intricacies was the switch in narrative depending on how the information is being gathered and who from.
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September 10, 2017
Book review: SuperGym by Em Frappier
Imagine a world where music, art, and books were banned and you were held [image error]accountable for every calorie, every cell of fat. There was an ideal, and if you didn’t measure up you were forced push yourself beyond your limits until you did, and even then it wouldn’t end. Maggie wasn’t ideal, she was fat. But Mr Pratt had taken a special interest in her. He thought she was different, special. No matter what they did she refused to lose weight. Sometimes, to his dismay, she even gained. He would make her compliant, but doing so seemed to come with a price, and she was determined to escape this hell before he could succeed, but to do so she first had to conform.
I wasn’t sure about this book when I picked it up. It’s not something I would normally read, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The writing style is good, offering enough description to stimulate the reader’s own imagination. I would certainly be open to reading more of this author’s work in the future, I was captivated beginning to end.
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Book review: A Confabulated Compendium of Anecdotes by Melissa H North
The Dacia Horde thought the Descendants of the Madiis Tenebris had been wiped out. [image error]For centuries vampires had kept their feud hidden, keeping humans safe from the fierce and brutal war. But things had changed. Sanguine had discoverered a means of breaching the boundaries and opening a path the the vampire afterlife. Within he discovered a blood so powerful, so evil, those consuming it could weird powerful arcane magic (or majik) stemmed from darkness itself. Valid was forced to enlist the aid of a human, Geneviève, when it appears the conflict will jeopardise humanity itself. She is investigating an unusual murder, the murder of Valdo’s own fiance Melaina Lilith, and the mystery surrounding her death was both baffling and astounding. The Descendants of the Madiis Tenebris have already taken his love from him and he will not allow them to destroy his clan as well. Interested? Well this is just the first of many unique tales.
A Confabulated Compendium of Anecdotes by Melissa H North is a wonderful collection of short stories which read as a cross between old fables, fantasy and steampunk. This is certainly a diverse collection of unique tales and each one will take you on a new and interesting adventure. The author’s style is eloquent and easily a conjures depths to imagery and sets wonderful scenes. My favourite of all the tales was Cirque Monter En Flèche, but if you want to find out why, or even discover your own favorite in this wonderful compendium, you’ll have to pick up a copy for yourself.
Book link:
A Confabulated Compendium of Anecdotes
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September 9, 2017
Book review: Isobel by Aden James
One of the first thing you’ll notice when you delve into this book is how real some of the situations feel. It can be very atmospheric, and at time tense. The author starts by smoothly and effortlessly familiarising the reader with any jargon associated with the necessary roles. As you read it is easy to see yourself stood at the scene alongside Steve, or witnessing events from the distant past. I normally don’t like first person POV, but this is yet another book that has successfully chipped away at my dislike for this perspective. The tone and style it is a written in was just so natural and fitting. Nothing about the book felt forced, and I was eager to find out what discoveries Steve would make as he sought out his own answers. This is a great read, and better yet, proceeds go to charity. A great story and a good deed in one, what more could you ask for?
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Book review: The Case of the Mona Lisa by Yvonne Jones
Wen loved spending time with his Gramps. What child doesn’t love spending time with [image error]their grandparents? After all, they have seen the world, explored its secrets, and everyone knows they tell the best stories. Little did he know there was a reason his Gramps knew them, he had been part of some incredible adventures. This summer Wen was looking forward to spending the entire holiday with his Gramps. Imagine his surprise when he discovers it is time for him to learn the family secret. Within his grandfather’s house is a library, filled with the tales he so loved to hear. Never did he imagine they were stories made possible by his own family, or that his family was able to travel through time and stop the loss of masterpieces. Now it is time for Wen to join the family mission, his task, to save the Mona Lisa.
The Case of the Mona Lisa is a children’s time travel fiction written by Yvonne Jones. The gamer in me really loved the fact the stories in the book given to Wen had to be unlocked before another one would open, and another mission could appear. It would make a brilliant game, probably a great children’s tv series too, imagine the adventures through time learning and unlocking pieces of art and their history. For me, it had a little bit of ‘Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego’ feel about it, sleuth skills meet subtle learning, with emphasis on subtle learning. It’s a easy read, and well suited for the target audience, and I speak from experience when I write the adult reading/listening to it will enjoy it too. I will certainly be reading this again, when my son is older.
Book link:
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September 6, 2017
Book review: The Gate by Isabella
Harley had just discovered her girlfriend had been cheating on her. She needed space, [image error]time to collect her thoughts, time away without distractions. But with nothing to busy the mind her thoughts turned dark. She had a gun, for protection, but other considerations began to surface, unwanted thoughts. She knew how to do it, even how to overcome her own fear. That night she fell asleep to such thoughts, and when she awoke she had the headache from hell, and two bullet shells in her hand. It was only when she met Jack, a young man seeking his afterlife, she began to wonder what had happened. Soon she discovers she’s between worlds. The dark souls, hunting and praying on those searching for their gates, for some inexplicable reason can’t see her, but she can see them, not only that she can kill them. In exchange for his help she agrees to help Jack find his gate, yet through her travels she finds so much more.
The Gate by Isabella is one of those books that will have you hooked from the start. I made the mistake of starting it before bed and found it almost impossible to put down. Part of the reason was the author’s writing style, she successfully executes an informal tone without it being too familiar, this is something I have seen many authors attempt, but few have succeeded on this level. I also couldn’t wait to unravel what had happened, and what was going to happen. Above I have already hinted at the story, and don’t want to spoil anything by revealing some of the great revelations and developments, so just trust me when I say this book won’t leave you wanting.
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September 4, 2017
Book Review: After the Pemberley Ball by Margaret Sharpe
Lady Catherine disapproval of her daughter’s choice of a partner. The artist David King [image error]had apparently taken a liking to Anne, although there are whispers it was more about her fortune than any other reason. Anne is not beautiful, and her health is not the best. She makes an easy target and Lady Catherine is concerned she has become just that. Although the rumours seem six of one half a dozen of another, for all the slander there are also whispers of a loyal and honourable man. She forbids their interaction and seeks a distraction to hopefully pair her daughter with a more appropriate suitor, and how better to do that than with a social event, and so Lady Catherine throws a ball, a splendid affair. Georgina’s birthday proved the opportune moment. But Anne has issued her own warning. If her mother refuses to accept the man she loves, and allow them to be married, she will force a scandal of the likes their family have never seen.
After the Pemberley Ball by Margaret Sharpe is a period drama written in appropriate dialect. Interaction is very much what you would expect from such an undertaking, eloquent and formal, much like the tone of the book itself. It is a short read exploring a few weeks in the life of the characters centring mainly from Elizabeth’s viewpoint as she learns of events surrounding those closest to her. There is little in the way of action as it is a tale based more on subtleties and romance, as one would perhaps expect.
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