K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 69
November 13, 2016
Book review: Random Word Stories: Volume 1 by Eli Goldfarb
Random Word Stories: Volume 1 is a collection of short stories written by Eli Goldfarb. 
Throughout this book the author chooses a single word, defines it, and writes a story based around it. This provides the perfect opportunity for an author to show their diversity, creativity, and imagination. The words chosen are often little used, thus make for not only an interesting tale but an exercise in self-improvement.
I was drawn to Random Word Stories: Volume 1 having read a like styled book before done as an indie author collaboration for charity. The idea is a fun one, and goes a long way in showing the depth of Eli Goldfarb’s imagination. After all a single word has many meanings and interpretations, some obvious, some bizarre, and others surprising and in this vein so too are the tales. I actually enjoyed most of the stories, but for some reason Foible sticks in my mind, focusing around a creation discarded due to imperfection. A long time ago a dear friend once said to me when people don’t understand something they stare, they abuse, and then they break it. This tale was the embodiment of their words, and reflects a sad truth of human nature. The author’s style is adaptive and fitting to the tales, some of which are linked relating to earlier events or stories which I always feel to be a nice touch in such a compilation. This makes for a perfect night time read, the length of the stories vary greatly and due to the diverse style and topics it is an easy book to become immersed in.
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Book review: Infertility Cured Naturally: Get Pregnant Now by Janie Lee Barlow
Infertility Cured Naturally: Get Pregnant Now by Janie Lee Barlow is a short but interesting 
read addressing the many causes of infertility and ways it can be addressed. Divided into sections it first introduces and discusses female problems which result in infertility and difficulty conceiving and then male, shedding the forced illusion that a majority of conception issues are on the woman’s side. While it is true there appear to be more places things can go wrong for a woman the male side makes up approximately 40% of diagnosed issues according to the information within. If you are having problems conceiving, or planning to start trying for a child in the future within this book is some useful information which can be applied whether or not you have issues conceiving.
In all truth I was expecting a little more on the natural remedy front, so I was a little disappointed to find its focus is on diet, exercise, stress etc. Whilst the information is supported by research the things suggested are largely standard practice, don’t eat junk, exercise, control stress etc etc. Whilst these factors can add to the body’s overall health and in turn make conception easier Infertility Cured Naturally: Get Pregnant Now fails to touch on the promised wonder of natural remedies, except the benefits of certain foods. The information is, however, Janie Lee Barlow has designed and created well presented, easily accessible informative read. There is a lot of ground swiftly and comfortably covered on a subject which can cause great stress. It is handled respectfully and could serve as a useful reference as a things to try first guide.
Book link:
Infertility Cured Naturally: Get Pregnant Now
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November 12, 2016
Book Review: Speared by a Merman by Shady Fae
Speared by a Merman by Shady Fae is an erotic short story.
Jacee was a pop sensation, desperately seeking a moment of respite from her adoring fans. They, like the paparazzi, hounded her relentlessly, her most private moments on display 
for the world to see. She had to get away, take time for herself or risk another breakdown. The ocean became her sanctuary. Upon her yacht miles from another living soul surrounded by the great expanse where she could shed the pressures of life and be emerged in the peace and tranquillity of the water. But such relaxation has its limits, she was determined to follow the rules imposed on her, no phone, no connection to the outside world, just complete and utter silence. But one cannot live a life as busy as hers and willingly drift in obscurity for long before becoming boring. Reading, sunbathing, it all seems so dull, so empty. But unbeknown to her, beneath the waves, there is someone who has found even her dullest moments fascinating. Their kind are forbidden from contact with the human world and yet Cerulean has been watching, worshipping, this human goddess from afar but this day he knows something is different. He can feel the loneliness emanating from her. He decides to breach the laws of his people, offering her a way to ease the tension in ways she never imagined.
Having read my fair share of books with erotic interactions I can honestly say that whilst a few of parts are cringe worthy Shady Fae handles most of the erotic scenes nicely. Speared by a Merman is a quickie (wink wink). It is a short read and answers questions most fantasy tales don’t expand on regarding the physical aspect of mermaid and human relations. Being a short story there isn’t much room for character development, and personally I would have preferred a little more wooing and romance. I can however appreciate the lust-fuelled steamy encounter for its merits. On the whole the premise the story is good and Shady Fae has a nice writing voice. I didn’t however, feel this was everything it could have been, especially given the obvious talent of the author.
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Book review: Venators: Through The Arch by Devri Walls
Venators: Through the Arch is a supernatural / epic fantasy written by author Devri Walls
There’s no such thing as vampires, and werewolves are a tale spun from the imagination 
of authors. The supernatural does not exist. At least that is what Rune thought, hoped. Yet every time she saw something portraying this mystical nature her body instinctively responded. She wanted to act. She knew something was missing in her life, but she just didn’t know what. There was another person like her, an old school friend by the name of Grey. Unlike Rune he didn’t suppress his desire, his thirst for knowledge on all creatures thought myth. He poured tirelessly over books, his obsession forcing him to become an outcast. But he knew something the others didn’t. The tales were true. The creatures were real. He had seen them with his own eyes. Years ago his paths had crossed with Tate, someone from another realm, a person to whom he owed his life. Their meeting was anything but accidental. Tate had been searching for someone just like him. But at the time he had been too young, and he had needed to choose wisely. The fate of his realm depended on the decision he made. The council, since separating their world from that the Venators resided in, had grown corrupt, wanting more power, more loyalty. But with the rising of a new and powerful nemesis the only way they can keep the reigns of control is to employ those their people most fear. The Venators. They must bend them to their will, display their talents as a fear stoking trophy of their supremacy. Tate could not let this be, his choice of which two Venators to return to his world could be catastrophic. He had to hope, pray, they would not fall to the councils’ manipulation. The two he chose, Rune and Grey, face a hard decision, to work for the people, the innocents being victimised, or protect their own lives by conforming to the councils’ desire.
I will hail Davri Walls’ talent with four simple words. I loved this book. These words I do not utter lightly. This tale has everything that makes an epic fantasy great. I was hooked from the first paragraph. The manner in which the tale is spun is magic itself. I loved the characters, the hardships, the pressure, both real and imagined, and their own personal journeys through the tale’s progression. Brilliantly written to invoke the perfect balance between descriptive writing and imagination as a new realm, thought only fable, is brought to life, everything from the magisterially pure to the hauntingly dark. There is much to this world, and Rune and Grey must learn to understand it, and its ways, quickly. As a huge fan of fantasy works I highly recommend Venators: Through the Arch, it won’t leave you wanting for anything, except for the second book in the series. This book gets my highest possible praises, it is a masterpiece, well deserving of five stars.
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November 9, 2016
Book review: Chakra: The Quest by Jan Raymond
Chakra: The Quest (The Pha-yul Trilogy Book 3) is a fantasy/ sci-fi by Jan Raymond
Within the seemingly random rambles of an ancient text, written in a forgotten dialect 
and protected, held in secret for the coming of the Phyag-Ide, lies the key to the world’s salvation. Or so it is believed. Sam, having discovered he is the prophesied saviour, works tirelessly, relying on the protection and insight of his circle as they race against the clock to decode the ancient tome, weed out the seemingly meaninglessness information from that he so desperately seeks. But Lucas is watching, some how aware of their movements and he wants the book for his own. He believes it and its secrets should be his. Suspicion is born as Lucas and the Dzog chen slob grwa seem to always know their plans, there has to be a traitor in their midst, such thoughts drive Sam and his circle to isolation, fearing who can be trusted. The fate of the world rests upon these young shoulders, but when their adversaries always seem to know their thoughts how can they be expected to win?
Chakra: The Quest is the third instalment in the The Pha-yul Trilogy. As the only book I have read in this series I must give the author credit for being able to create a stand alone book. Whilst some details were a little vague for anyone entering the series at this point, you do have access to the information needed which is essential to this plight. Suspense, mystery and action combine to unfold the twists and turns of an involved character-driven plot. Whilst focused on the young adult market, the adult market will also find this an enjoyable read.
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November 3, 2016
Book review: Dog Training the American Male by L.A. Knight
Dog Training the American Male is a romantic comedy written by L.A. Knight
Nancy Beach hosts a relationship counselling show called ‘Life’s a Beach’, but with two failed engagements and little success in making her own relationships work her listeners are losing faith. Her ratings are plummeting, her job is in danger. Then her sister sets her up on a blind date with Jacob, a man with as many, if not more, hang ups and fears as her. When the two were forced to move in together Nancy’s sister imparted Jacob with some life saving advice, buy her a foofy dog. When the honeymoon period ended Jacob recalls this advice, not one for little yapping fluff balls he takes a little creative license, an act which earns him more trouble than resentment, but may just end up saving Nancy’s career. The new dog needs training, and it seems the dogs regime works just as well on Nancy’s boyfriend.
This is one of the only romantic comedy books I have read where I have actually caught myself laughing aloud in places. It’s a fun and entertaining read, light hearted and enjoyable. The characters are interesting, and their antics will keep you turning the pages. When I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review I never imagined I would enjoy this book to the level I did. For this kind of work I feel here the level of sophomoric humour has to be careful kept in balance to avoid becoming overbearing, and L.A. Knight got the balance just right. Great read for fun and giggles.
Book link:
Dog Training the American Male
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October 30, 2016
Book review: The Invasion of Heaven by Michael B. Koep
The Invasion of Heaven is a Thriller/ urban fiction written by author by Michael B. Koep 
exploring the realms of madness, heaven and hell, and broaching questions on life itself.
Bethany Winship was the beginning, or was she the end? Either way he had been warned it happened to everyone in his profession at some point. Her suicide brought with it what Loche Newirth’s friend called the three heavy what ifs. But as he reflected on these he found only questions, questions heavier than self-doubt, greater than time itself. Loche entered psychology because he sought nothing more than to find a means to heal the mind, yet as he stood atop the cliff, gripped with doubt, his own mind began to fracture. He began to write, detail the strange happenings no reasonable mind could comprehend, leaving the manuscript for his mentor Doctor Marcus Rearden, with the instruction it should only be read should something happened to him. Something happened. The content within the pages, what he has seen, experienced, will change the life of anyone who reads it. Unknown pasts and ancient conflicts start to provide answers, but at what cost? Murder, betrayal, and the long inescapable descent into madness.
I will be completely honest, at first I found The Invasion of Heaven quite difficult to get into. I think one of the main reasons for this is Michael B. Koep writes in the simple present tense, a style largely unused in favour of the more familiar past-tense. The story itself, due to the amount of insight needed, is also rather slow to start. As I continued reading I was rewarded with an intricately woven tale of madness, betrayal, hardship, mystery, perception and confusion. The story alternates between the first person perspective of Loche Newirth and the third person viewpoint of other characters, a touch I always appreciate when reading from the first person perspective as it serves to further enhance the tale. Michael B Koep weaves together countless insights into myths, mental states, beliefs, and the human condition to create the tale, all of which come together to create a unique and reflective read. Forget the characters, The Invasion of Heaven will leave you questioning what was real and what the hell just happened?
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October 26, 2016
Book Review: Lora Lee by P.J. Webb
Lora Lee by PJ Webb is the first book in the Cliff House Series and one of the best ghost 
stories I have read for some time. Add into that the budding romance and you have an amazing tale.
Cliff House had been the source of many whispers. Fables have been passed through generations, tales of hauntings and tragedy. Lora Lee had never heard such tales, and why would she have? She had been raised on her parents’ tobacco farm. It had always just been the four of them, Lora along with her mum, dad, and brother. Until one day fate decided it had other plans. She found herself in Cliff House, unaware of its lore, unaware of the danger. Yet the memories of a nightmare she had as a child returned to haunt her. Something within the house is reaching out to her, demanding to be heard. But to heed this call has consequences. Lora is the only one who can return what once belonged to those remaining after death, and it seems they will stop at nothing to obtain that which they desire.
Lora Lee is one of those books that you simply won’t want to put down and when you reach the end, you’ll want book two. P.J. Webb presents a cast of deep and interesting characters emerged in a tale woven of lore, tragedy and despair, while investing the reader not only in the budding romance forming between Lora and Christian, but also in the history of Cliff House. This is one book I would give higher than five stars if possible. The author’s descriptive voice makes it easy to lose yourself in the world and tale created. P.J. Webb gets you hooked, intrigued, and leaves you wanting more.
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October 19, 2016
Book review: A Shadow in Doubt by Roari Benjamin
A Shadow in Doubt is a time travel, Sci-fi written by Roari Benjamin
Samantha Marquet, or Sam as she is generally known, has a decision to make. One which 
could shape the very future itself. An alarming thought given the fact her actions need to preserve the timeline, not alter it. As the protector of the Flamella tree she holds the secret to life itself and control over the Society, those carefully selected to be offered time immemorial. Her current self had been exposed into the Society long before she should have, and all must be done to prevent contamination. Some people however have other plans. Travellers sent back to kill or control her, the BOAs, people of this time whose time line cannot risk being altered, seek the philosopher’s stone and those who hold it. Whilst forming plans and trying to pre-empt and counter their attempts against her and the Society, she must also make a choice. Bailey her boyfriend, could be the enemy, aligned with one faction or another. Then again, he could also be the future she was intended to embrace had Michael not prematurely entered her life. She must keep Bailey close, learn his motives and hope whatever she chooses is the path she was intended to take. Should she allow herself to be lost in her love for Michael, or wait and see what could be with Bailey? Time will, literally, tell.
I really enjoyed the complex characters and story of this book. My one wish is that I had picked up number one first. Whilst it can be enjoyed in its own right there are a few places where reading the first book would have been of benefit. The author has a wonderful style and seems to effortless craft an entertaining tale filled with the complexities of time travel. Secret societies, questioned loyalties, love, and betrayal, what more could you want?
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October 17, 2016
Book review: A Wisp of Hope by A.J. Chaudhury
A Wisp of Hope is a short story written by author A.J. Chaudhury
Prasanta idolised the great bandit Binjal, he loves nothing more than to pretend to be this 
feared figure. One night his mother asks Prasanta for a favour, her husband, Prasanta’s father, has been sneaking out at night. He had changed and is no longer the kind man she recalls and she asked him to follow him, to find out the cause for this shift. Honouring his mother’s request he does as bid, but the truth of his father’s nightly excursions is beyond his imaginings and shapes the whole course of his future.
A Wisp of Hope is a nice short story, it reflects how one action can create an unexpected chain of events. The author’s style is such that it would appeal to both children and adults, and in some ways makes me think of the bandit tales I read as a youngster. It’s a simple tale with an easy to grasp moral, perfect for a afternoon or bedtime read.
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