K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 68
December 2, 2016
Book review: NED by David Sgalambro
NED is a horror/thriller written by author David Sgalambro centring around the story’s main focus, NED.
Homeless NED has kept to himself, posture slumped, head down, protecting his scare few belongings, memories of a 
better time, and perhaps catalysts to his madness. But not everyone is accepting of those down on their fortune, one particular altercation left NED worried and stored within him a darkness. A group of youths sporting leather jackets had gone out of their way to harass him, intimidate him, and threaten violence. They left with a warning, there were more of them patrolling, and his kind weren’t welcome in their neighbourhood. The leather jacket bullies had him on edge, soon he watched everyone and anyone sporting that attire was deemed a threat, even people like Trent, who had often shown him kindness. But from the threat bred paranoia, and a determination not to be forced from these streets by anyone. No matter what he had to do, how far he had to go.
David Sgalambro has an interesting, tense, and gripping style, reminiscent in places of old classics in structure and expression. The images conjured are vivid in all their horror as we meet characters like Trent, and become invested in their lives and dreams. within the pages of NED is a tale of horror, which could very likely be someone’s reality, and David Sgalambro beautifully takes the transition of a peaceful man into insanity and horrific acts and gives it life and terror. This is one of those books you will sit thinking about long after finishing. The collision of realities, and depth given to the characters make this one book certainly worth reading.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading
On the 2nd day of advent K.J. recommends to me….
Every day on the run up to Christmas I am going to recommend a book that I truly enjoyed reading.
On the 2nd day of Christmas K.J’s advent recommends;
Displaced by Stephen Drake (Twitter @sldrakemt )
Humanity at its best and worst laid bare for all to see in this brilliant fantasy sci-fi .
Buy it here.
Support my choice of today’s book by using my pre-scripted tweet:
On the 2nd day of advent K.J recommends to me… Displaced by @sldrakemt https://www.amazon.com/Displaced-Drake-Stephen-ebook/dp/B01LZKB1EX/ #KJsAdvent #MustRead #Bookboost
Please note: this is something I am doing in recognition of the books I have enjoyed. The authors do not know they have been selected, and have in no way asked to participate. I receive no form of profit from these recommendations.
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
December 1, 2016
On the 1st day of advent K.J. recommends to me….
Every day on the run up to Christmas I am going to recommend a book that I truly enjoyed reading.
On the 1st day of Christmas K.J’s advent recommends;
Angel’s Blood by Sallyann Phillips (Twitter @_SallyannP)
For a fast past engaging read. Amazing characters and a fascinating werewolf creation myth.
Buy it here.
Support my choice of today’s book by using my pre-scripted tweet:
On the 1st day of advent K.J recommends to me…
Angel’s Blood by @_SallyannP
https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Blood-Sallyann-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00KPJEMNM
#KJsAdvent #MustRead #Bookboost
Please note: this is something I am doing in recognition of the books I have enjoyed. The authors do not know they have been selected, and have in no way asked to participate. I receive no form of profit from these recommendations.
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
November 29, 2016
Book review: SNI: Thorndale: Part One (SuperNatural Investigations Book 1) by Fox R. R. Haddock.
SNI: Thorndale: Part One (SuperNatural Investigations Book 1) is a paranormal urban fantasy written by Fox R. R. Haddock.
Joanne and Janet are watching the recording of the now seemingly disbanded supernatural 
investigation team’s latest mission and something doesn’t add up. Since the events recorded that day returning to work has been difficult for them. Extended vacation, resignations, medical recovery, and doubt, all a factor in their reluctant return, and yet not one of them seems to be in possession of the full truth of what happened. They knew life in the SNI would not be without its dangers, but they hadn’t been prepared for that fateful encounter. Torrin had kept more than her tie to the location a secret. Her presence had been both their salvation and damnation. She manifested skills unseen, power unnoticed, and perhaps became the only reason they made it out at all. But there are answers needed, answers to questions some hadn’t even thought to ask.
In all honesty it took me a number of chapters to get into SNI: Thorndale: Part One mainly because the start reads like the second book in a series where previous events are reflected upon and it assumes previous knowledge. After a short while though it became a little more like the film Momento where you piece together events and the characters life in order to gain a deeper insight into them, events, and even their future. From that point on the story just gets better and the gains a forward momentum. Rivalry, clans, chivalry, feuds, promises, and oaths all make up the gripping tale. Within SNI: Thorndale: Part One lies wonderfully scripted dialogue and nicely choreographed action scenes. After reading the synopsis I have to say this book wasn’t what I was expecting, it was better.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing 
November 26, 2016
Book review: Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy by Tamara Grantham
Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy, is the second book in the Fairy World MD series by author Tamara Grantham
We join our heroine as she battles through the treacherous badlands of pixie swamps. Tension is high, especially when the arrival of some former allies heralds some disturbing news. The Everblossom is transferring its magic into Uli, its speaker. Something only done in times of real peril. The tree is fearful, and without it all magic in Faythander will become no more. There is no choice but to walk the treacherous path to the tree. But their arrival sees them bear witness to a horrible event, Geth has succeeded in his plan. The tree’s magic floods from Yuri to a small flower, but such is not enough to sustain the magic. Geth vows to find the flower, destroying the only hope of restoring the powers to Faythander. But with the loss of magic comes a greater danger. Those born of it will die. Worse still, the memory block and altered memories forced into Olive’s mother will begin to weaken. What should happen should she remember her hatred for her daughter, her vow to sacrifice her? Olive is forced to reply on her allies, juggling her life in Faythander and her one on Earth. But not everyone is who they seem.
Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy has a number of unexpected revelations that will take the reader by surprise. Tamara Grantham’s style is fitting with the young adult genre, although will easily be enjoyed by the adult market too. Some of the twists will keep you flicking the pages, pushing you onward through the action packed turmoil to discover what happens next. There are things you can’t wait to uncover, and questions that must be answered. Tragedy, betrayal, love, lore, and magic, what more could you ask from a fantasy? But be warned, once this tale has its claws in you, you won’t want to put it down.
Book link:
Spellweaver: Olive Kennedy (Fairy World MD Book 2)
Filed under: author, book review, reading
November 24, 2016
The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Yarde
The Du Lac Chronicles is a historical fiction adventure romance by Mary Yarde
Freeing the man of her dreams from her father’s cruel and torturous hand Annis turns against everything her father would have wanted.. But why should she care, he never wanted a daughter, and the former king Alden had long been in her thoughts. Forced to free after being discovered nursing her father’s enemy by her mother, she flees, taking the injured Alden with him, leaving behind all she has known and the threat of a hate filled marriage to a man whose wives keep dying.
Ripe with action, betrayal as well as the charm and horrors of a war torn Britain with an attention to historical detail which only serve to enhance the story. The author’s voice is engaging drawing you into Annis and Alden’s plight as they try to discover who can be trusted. A fun and enjoyable read.
Book link:
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Book review: The Rebirth: Future of Destruction by Adam Watt
The Rebirth: Future of Destruction by Adam Watt is a short dystopian tale focusing around Azral and her visions coming to pass
Azral is a psychic investigator for the LAPD. In fact, she is not just any psychic investigator, she is the psychic investigator, their first and most accurate. When she is called in to assist with a serial killer case by her contact Tom Damon she is reminded of her dreams. With a single glance she knows this is not a typical serial killer. She has seen this method of killing before, these injuries, but never in the flesh. Such images have haunted her visions for a long time now. These creatures, these horrors, an inevitable future she had hoped to avoid. The battle for Earth has begun, and now the future she once witness seems to play in all its horrific glory before her very eyes.
The Rebirth: Future of Destruction by Adam Watt is the prequel to The Rebirth Shades of Apocalypse series and it certainly piqued my interest for the series to come. This is a short story, at only six pages in length given its size and content it could easy be used as a prologue. It reads as a scene setter, a teaser and warning of things to come. It is a nice bite size tale, and does exactly what I imagine the author intended. Watch the future unfold, and fear, for they have arrived.
Book link:
Goodreads: The Rebirth
Filed under: author, book review, reading
November 23, 2016
Book review: Raven. A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Angel Leya.
Raven. A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Angel Leya.
Tiva is a woman of beauty, and during her coming of age she was approached by many 
suitors. Misha has loved this woman for time unspoken, and believes this feeling is mutual. Proud of his respected heritage Misha is almost assured of his victory. Certain that when he offers the magnificent stag he pursues and offers this latest kill he will be granted their hand in marriage. For generations his family have being gaining respect, his great-grandfather pulled their family from the ranks of lowly fishermen to hunters, and each generation has only improved their standing, now it is his turn to bring them honour. Their marriage would see his family further rise the noble ranks. His competition Rokkoo is a fisherman, but the game Misha is stalking should far surpasses that any fisherman could haul. Then Misha sights a new prey, wonderful, beautiful, and deadly. It captures his attention, forever changes his fate, but still the hunt must go on.
Angel Leya’s Raven, A Dark Fantasy Short Story is written in a beautifully descriptive first person narrative and conjurors vivid imagery. Reading the first paragraphs I got a real feel for the forest, for the hunt, and could clearly see it all. As short stories go it was an enjoyable read, but the descriptive opening style seems to tether off which leaves some of the environments and events a little too much to the reader’s imagination. All in all a good story, a quick read but certainly an enjoyable one.
Book link:
Raven. A Dark Fantasy Short Story
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
November 20, 2016
Book review: The Light of Reason by David Litwack
David Litwack’s The Light of Reason is the third and final instalment in The Seeker’s series.
Orah and Nathaniel reach the shores of home, completing a long and eventful journey. But the land they left behind is not the one they return to find. Whispers and lies cloud 
the minds of people as vicars as deacons spread falsehoods about the tragic end of the heroes’ journey in a desperate attempt to regain control, reinstate belief of the divinity of the Sun icon and thus reaffirm their own power. Their return proves their words false, but how quickly people return to the security of ancient beliefs. Better not to question, better to ignore the proof, than to be hauled to Temple City. But having witnessed some of the falsehoods for themselves there are those who would rise up, and there is no greater proof of deception than the return of the seekers. Orah and Nathaniel have allies, those who would follow them to war rather than live in fear as cowards. But will the seekers of truth be forced to turn away from it, from everything they have discovered? Could war really be the only answer? When the die is cast will those who sought truth seek salvation and security in lies?
David Litwack’s voice is a brilliant example of first person narrative. The Light of Reason is filled with imaginative ideas, beautiful descriptions and well-scripted dialogue spoken by fascinating characters, all combined to drive the reader deeper into the tumultuous choices the seekers of truth must face. Should they turn against the very foundations of their beliefs for what could be the greater good, or should truth itself be the guiding light? As the third and concluding book in a trilogy David Litwack masterfully creates a self-contained story, and whilst knowledge of the previous adventures would create deeper and more meaningful bonds as you follow the heroes’ struggle, it is easy to come in at book three, and understand the what, why, and how without having read the previous tales.
Book link:
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November 13, 2016
Book review: Sisters and Rivals by Margaret Lynette Sharp
Sisters and Rivals by Margaret Lynette Sharp is a short romance story revolving around 
two sisters and their partners. Linda is a simple woman with simple needs. She wants to be loved and respected. She wants to find that special someone to build a life with but one thing stands in her way, her flirtatious sister Tessa. Whenever Linda feels she has her chance Tessa comes along and steals her happiness away. It wasn’t enough that Tessa stole Tom from her and is making grand plans for their upcoming wedding, now he is away it seems she has her sight trained on Harry, Linda’s new sweetheart. Secret conversations shared in hushed whispers give rise to suspicion and doubt. Tessa had no qualms being the centre of every man’s desire and it seems fidelity is of no concern, to her at least, but Tom feels differently. How can Linda trust them when the past seems to always repeat itself?
Sisters and Rivals is reminiscent of a screenplay in the sense it is dialogue focused and driven. This style, adopted by Margaret Lynette Sharp, works well in leaving details to the reader’s imagination. It was an enjoyable read with the ability to cause a reader to reflect on what the outcome would be. Frustration, mistrust, and dilemmas run rampant as the story progresses. I did feel Sisters and Rivals ended too abruptly leaving it, for me at least, with an incomplete feel. Overall it was an enjoyable read with interesting and well-portrayed characters.
Book link:
Filed under: author, book review, reading
