K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 62
February 10, 2017
Book review: Waiting for You by Allison Williford
Up and coming go-to advice girl, Kylie Lewis, is something of a loner. She has her best [image error]friend Cat, and her mother, Sarah. Since her last relationship failed she has found it hard to offer that part of herself to someone again. She used her heartbreak as an excuse to further shut herself away from the outside world. But what are best friends for if not to tear you from your comfort zone? Cat drags Kylie to a concert, here in the pit, amidst the crowd she meets Adam, who literally knocks her off her feet. Just as Kylie begins to feel she could, maybe, trust this man with her heart, she is told the most devastating news and nothing from will ever be the same again. Can a new relationship survive, as Kylie pulls away from everyone?
This was a nice story with very real character interaction. It focuses on love and heartache, hardship and comfort. The characters all have their own detailed past brought into play through the events of Kylie’s story. We learn about them, and see how their own experiences shaped their lives. Well-written at a slow and steady pace, this contemporary romance is sure to appeal to young adults as well as the more mature reader.
Book link:
Waiting For You
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
February 8, 2017
Book review: Phoenix by Daccari Buchelli
Reiza made a prophecy. She predicted that one day Emperor Jugan’s first born son, Ryore, [image error]would marry the enemy and secure his father’s throne. Nothing could be further from what the Emperor desired, for himself, or for his kingdom. Ryore was weak, he would make an awful king, and such a thing could not be allowed to come to pass. Violetta’s only crime was being the prophesied woman. In order to avoid the future the Emperor decided to set a plan into motion, one which continued long after his own reign ended. If Violetta was to meet her end then this marriage could never be. What he didn’t realise is that his actions had unforeseen circumstances consequences. What should have been a subtle assassination cost Violetta her dearly and forever changed the course of her future. A hidden agenda from those set to gain sees an interest in ensuring Reiza’s words come to pass, but will the flame princess see the truth, or will she be blinded by her own fire?
At its core Phoenix (The Peradon Fantasy Series Book 1) by Daccari Buchelli is a tale of magic, romance, and deceit, cast within a beautiful realm. The characters are well-written and Peradon, their world consisting of four elemental realms is highly imaginative and beautifully depicted. The characters are each unique, individual in heart and mind, and their motivations are real spanning from love to power, weaving their desires into the very fabric of their own story arc. The narrative style is easy flowing, making it an ideal read for young adult / adult.
Book link:
Phoenix
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
February 6, 2017
Book review: Dauntless by Thomas G. Atwood Jr.
Kacey once had a normal life, a normal best friend, a normal crush. Or so she had thought. [image error]In the blink of an eye, or more accurately within the final gift left to her by her mother, everything changed. This final gift had been kept from her, sealed away until her eighteenth birthday, and it contained her true heritage. One bound until this day. The inheritance from her mother went beyond material possessions, it was magic itself. A magic she had recognised and sealed within her own child. Kacey’s first glimpse of this world was through her mother’s journal. Its pages detailing monsters, and how to kill them. Kacey’s mother had been renowned, working for a hidden organisation known as The Sentinels and now, with a bounty on her head, Kacey must quickly learn to utilise her new found powers, whilst trying to protect her mother’s journal, a prize and powerful tool to anyone, be them good or evil. But there is more than one part to this journal, and rumours say the two halves are a Kingmaker. Kacey has the first half and both sides wish to use her for their own gains.
If Grimm, Supernatural, and Buffy had a love child it would be something like this. A hidden world of monsters and hunters, with a little comedy thrown in, makes Dauntless by Thomas G. Atwood Jr. an enjoyable feast for those wanting an action-packed, quick-paced read. I found some of the descriptions wonderful, the narrative and imagery from the first chapter alone had me hooked. It’s written perfectly for the young adult genre but will also hold a similar appeal to the adult market.
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Book link:
Dauntless
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
February 4, 2017
Book review: Goldilocks (Flirtatious Fairytales Book 5) by Jess James
Goldie had been alone a long time, she just hadn’t realised it. She gave Jake her first [image error]everything, and it seemed she was nothing more than a game to him. He started to control her, subtly, like not wanting to hang out with her friends, until she became isolated from them. Then one day she found herself on the run, fleeing to a place she hoped even he wouldn’t find her. How could he? She didn’t even know where she was herself. Tired and lost she comes across what seems to be an empty cabin in the woods. The relentless walking, the isolation, all too much to bear she decides to use it as shelter for the night. Hoping whoever owned it wouldn’t begrudge her this shelter. She had hoped to escape her life, but what she found instead gave her something she so desperately needed.
This is the second book by Jess James I have read, and it was a fun read. It takes about an hour so it is the perfect bedtime story, but keep your children away from this one, as the title implies this is a tale of an adult nature. I must say that Jess James writes brilliant erotica, the language is soft and inviting, whilst full of passion, instead of the crude and coarse style most author’s opt for. This not only makes it a pleasure to read, but a perfect starting point for people new to romantic erotica, or those who find themselves cringing at some of the more vulgar terms that tend to fill this type of work. Goldilocks is a nice twist on the fairy tale, and a good fun read. As I said, the perfect bedtime story.
Book link:
Goldilocks (Flirtatious Fairytales Book 5)
Filed under: writing
February 3, 2017
Book review: In Between Dreams by Eugene Knight
Written in alternating case between the first person perspective of the protagonist Toby, and the third person narrative of other characters In Between Dreams by Eugene Knight presents an interesting plot that grips the reader’s attention. A window opens into a horrific world, to create a focal point of this psychological thriller that will leave the reader trying to pick through details to discover the truth of before it is revealed. Murder, deception, secrets, and failings all rise to the surface to set the stage of this well-paced and character driven tale. While this book is filed into the young adult paranormal, I would certainly peg it as a more adult read spanning the genre’s from urban paranormal to thriller.
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Book link:
In Between Dreams
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Book review: What I’d do for Love by K.F. Johnson
Greer had sacrificed so much for her husband Michael. She supported his decision to [image error]change career, she funded his education as he studied to become a sleep therapist. She gave and she gave. Committed to her marriage, to building a better life, not once did she resent putting her dreams on hold while he pursued his. What she did resent however was discovering his affair with a woman from his new dream job. He didn’t even hide it well, sex-soaked sheets and her perfume lingered on their marital bed long after she had left. Well no more. She had given too much for too long to be left with nothing in divorce. She hatched a plan, and his fancy woman Marlene would be the one to take the fall. Her plan was fool proof. Or was it? Her new found freedom brought with it confidence, a power she had never tasted, and she wanted more. With Marlene’s trial coming up she had to be careful, easier said than done when even her own so-called family, true to form, go out of their way to treat her with anything but the respect she deserved. They had not welcomed their father’s bastard child into their house when she was but a little girl, and their hatred only deepened over the years and one of her so-called sisters already suspected she knew more than she was telling.
Sex, lies, betrayal, murder, and love ensure What I’d do for Love has all the ingredients of a great tale. K.F. Johnson creates a wide cast of characters every bit as complex as their relationships. Hauntingly real, the characters are filled with such life and emotion that you can’t help but be caught up in their life. You learn their darkest secrets, their dreams, and all they have had to endure. Greer was not the only one suffering, but is the focal point of this tale and she is certainly a woman scorned and without restraint. Her progression from the book’s start to its finale is brilliant, her actions more daring as she allows the power from her deeds to fuel her jealousy and rage. A Brilliantly written and highly imaginative tale of transition, showing just how far a person will go when given the right push in the wrong direction.
Book review:
What I’d do for LoveWhat I’d do for Love
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
February 2, 2017
Book review: Chalice of Shadows by C.N. Lesley
Morgan knew little but slavery. She had small glimpses of peaceful times in a world with a [image error]sky of green, then she awoke in the land of the blue sky, mutilated. She was but six summers old when the slavers killed the old woman who had harmed her. Her throat scarring seeing her turned to labour rather than pleasure in the slave circuits. She had no idea of the future that awaited her, even her captors hadn’t realised the extent of her worth until it was too late. The Nestines were without a queen, and the talents now discovered in Morgan made her the perfect candidate for the role. With her they could once more breed their army and become the dominant species, instead of one who hunted in skyships and used priests to instill fear. But Morgan has a calling, a mission of grave importance. She must retrieve what some have called the Chalice of the Seer. The last time such a quest was given it was Arthur and his sword, a pinnacle in war against the Nestines that turned the tides in their favour.But will she be able to complete the mission with the Nestines hot on her trail, and the quest itself driving her to the edge of madness?
Chalice of Shadows is an inspired read. A new and imaginative take on Arthurian legends and myths C.N. Lesley adapts the well-known mythos to fit their own fantastic world. Hints and tales of characters from previous books reward her regular reader’s, whilst ensuring the book is stand alone in its telling, yet builds upon the work before it. This is the third book I have read by C.N. Lesley and I can say with all confidence that it certainly won’t be the last. I love the author’s imagination and narrative voice. I find her stories and characters compelling, and her plots full of imagination. If fantasy is your genre you won’t be left wanting.
Book link:
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February 1, 2017
Book review: The Biography of Prophets by Javon Rahman Bertrand
The Biography of Prophets by Javon Rahman Bertrand is not your typical book on
[image error]prophets, it aims to offer insight into their life, and create more of a person from the myth, to help the reader understand the life and assignment of a prophet. The Biography of Prophets states being a prophet cannot be learned it is the acceptance of an eternal call. For each prophet within the bindings, Javon Rahman Bertrand delves into their life, discussing their family, how they discovered their calling as a prophet, their tasked assignment, and their death. It covers the major transitions in their life, creating a more human and complete image of figures held in an almost inhuman regard.
The Biography of Prophets is a very educational book, even to those who have spent much time in study of religion. For instance it discusses what a mantle actually is. Whilst one of material is worn i.e. a robe, this is not the prophet’s actual mantle such a thing cannot be crafted by man as it is breathed by God. It is the calling itself. It also works to correct misunderstandings and ambiguations, helping the reader to gain a truer understanding of these figures, be them prophets of the past, present, or future and supports its claims by referencing various passages from the bible, as well as drawing on the author’s own experience and research. It not only covers the more widely known prophets, but those often overlooked or forgotten. I appreciated how the book’s conclusion inspires further reading on those interested in the topic.
I myself have spent many years studying various forms of religion and found this book to be an informative and well-presented discussion written at a level that is accessible to all.
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Book link
The Biography of Prophets by Javon Rahman
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
January 31, 2017
Book review: Sam’s Song by Hannah Howe
Enquiry Agent Samantha Smith was just scraping by, her office, like her life, refurbished [image error]and in desperate need of some TLC. Then along came Milton Vaughan-Urquhart who worked for multi-millionaire Derwena de Caro, a pop-star and diva with more than her own share of baggage. The most recent addition to the list, a stalker. Derwena demanded a female private eye, with a shortage of those meeting the description, and the brilliant reputation Sam has been working to secure, she was the logical choice. But the case is not the only problem she has to contend with. Dan, her abusive ex-husband returns to the scene, and then there was the interest shown in her by Dr Alan Storey, her client’s psychiatrist, but is his interest anything more than professional, or can he see the deep rooted trauma from her life?
Sam’s Song follows a week in the life of Enquiry Agent Samantha Smith, and what a week it was, murder, mayhem, and the return of an abusive spouse. From the first page I couldn’t help drawing some parallels to the old Dick Tracy books, not so much in the style of narrative, but the vibe was certainly there. This book is character driven, and as such you will find an array of interesting people, all with distinctive personalities, but strongest of all is our mild mannered protagonist, who seems to be the only one unable to see her own value.
Book link:
Sam’s Song
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
January 30, 2017
Book review: Rarity from the Hollow by Robert Eggleton
Lacy Dawn longs for a normal life, a normal home. Her abusive father regularly takes out [image error]his anger, misery, and intoxication on her and her mother. She knows how things could end, her own best friend, Faith, was brutally murdered, another victim of domestic violence and child abuse. But Lacy Dawn has a plan. Dotcom, an alien living in the Hollow has been watching over her, teaching her, and now she hopes to use him to fix her family. But he, and his creators, have their own plan in mind for Lacy Dawn, she had been promised to them long before her birth, now they believe her to be ready, and it falls to Dotcom to ensure she signs the contract to accept her destiny.
Robert Eggleton approached me asking if I would consider providing an honest review in exchange for a free copy. From the moment I saw the author donates 50% of their royalties to child abuse prevention there was no way I could refuse an opportunity to help spread the word. The fact I received a free copy, and support authors who donate to charity, in no way affects my opinion of the story.
Dark and chilling, yet strangely comical in places, Rarity from the Hollow is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The topics place the book into the social issues sci-fi genre (sci-fi with a social commentary) and Robert Eggleton handles sensitive topics in a well-presented manner. Lovers of sci-fi would feel at home with Dotcom’s world, whilst those who like a more psychological tale will relate more with Lacy Dawn’s character. A brilliant example of an old yet often understated genre.
Book link:
Rarity from the Hollow
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
