K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 70
October 16, 2016
Book review: Power of the Stones by Aidan Stone
Countless races live within the universes, some
by design, others forced to flee from war and then there are those who intruded on lands by sheer accident, touching relics of the past left behind. The Power of the Stones by Aidan Stone is a story of one such world, Aelfyce, a place where humans and lourack co-exist. But there is more to the world than how these races came to be, there are the stones. Those who don’t possess them want them, and those who have them want more. Adrian, the Lord High wielder regulates this magic, agreeing to have his implanter Insert them into those he deemed worthy. There are only two implanters, a means in place to ensure none possess the strength to challenge him for rule. Or so he thought. There are always those who will go to remarkable lengths to seize what they crave, and this is such a tale.
The Power of the Stones is a fascinating and gripping novella. Starting from the very beginning Aidan Stone sets a beautiful scene of how his world came to be before immersing the reader in a well-paced, enjoyable plot filled with a wide array of vivid and unique characters. I lost myself completely in the plot, the characters, strife and danger while learning the fundamentals of the world. It is a truly inspired read and Aiden Stone has certainly made it onto my list of buy again authors. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Book link:
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Book review: Morium by S.J. Hermann
Morium by S.J. Hermann is an urban fantasy focusing on bullying and supernatural elements.
For a long time Lexi and Nathan have been the focus of the popular students’ hatred. Once an outgoing girl after the 
death of her mother Lexi became withdrawn, and those who should have helped her, her so called friends, saw her grief as a means to elevate themself in social status. Lexi retreated into herself. The only release from the torment became self-harming and part of her longed to join her mother. Nathan suffered at the hands of the football team, his skin condition making him easy prey. They tortured him without reprieve. Each day they reminded themselves the end was in sight, graduation was near. But it didn’t come soon enough. One night Lexi and Nathan saw something fall from the sky, curiosity enveloped them, leading them to seek it out. But the moment their fingers touched it their future was changed forever.
Morium is a well-written and moving read. Bullying is a serious issue, and anyone who has been bullied will understand first hand the emotional turmoil and suffering Nathan and Lexi are being forced to endure. Their support structure consists of each other, and their other friend Stacy. But having support doesn’t resolve the issue. S.J. Hermann’s writing style makes it easy to empathise with the characters, and presents a very real dilemma, if a victim of bullying was granted power, power enough to stop those who hurt them, power enough to change the world, how would it be used? Lexi and Nathan have both endured the same harassment, the same mental torture, but will their view on how their new gifts be used align? This is an excellent plot, and a truly enjoyable read. Emotionally charged, and intensely gripping, Morium is one book not to be forgotten.
Book link:
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October 13, 2016
Book review: The God Gene by Dean C Moore
Imagine a world where you can change anything
at whim, your eyes, hair, let’s say you want to mirror the phosphorescent glow of the animal kingdom, it can be done. Now forget about your looks, what do you want to be able to do, lift heavy objects, leap over a building in a single bound, create your own reality? Such is the world in Dean C Moore’s The God Gene. But the world did not come to be like this with ease, there had been failures, and mistakes had to be erased, how can people become as gods if proof of their mistakes lived on? Nova is such a specimen, and those who would rise above and be the best their tech and enhancements will allow will stop at nothing to erase him. Fortunately Nova has a guardian angel, a person whose only truth is ‘the only safe place is one step ahead of the other guy’s tech’ let’s just hope they’re up to the task, they can’t even begin to imagine what their actions will wrought.
The Gods Gene is impeccably researched. Achievable science and sci-fi meld. For the most part the techinicalities are easily understandable, making the futuristic ideas not only easily accessible to the audience but one possibility for the future. There were parts I had to re-read, but with an intricate plot such things are often to be expected. If you’re a lover of sci-fi you’ll certainly lose yourself in this high-tech world.
Book link:
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October 11, 2016
Book review: Toxic Minds: The Damage is Done by Gordon Bickerstaff
Toxic minds: The Damage is Done is a thriller/ drama written by author Gordon Bickerstaff
Alexa always knew exactly what she wanted, she has the house, the children, but most importantly the job, and the job always came first. Her blinkered pursuit of her desire to become the CEO of Carluke Oil and Gas. Her work is second to none, and her research on fracking promises to change the industry. But such a one minded pursuit, at the expense of all else, carries a price and her daughter’s suicide attempt should have been a wake up call. It wasn’t. Soon she finds herself divorced, a scapegoat for Carluke’s image, and perhaps more concerning, she has made enemies who will do whatever it takes to bring her down once and for all.
Toxic Minds: The Damage is done is a thrilling read, wrought with controversy, sensitive issues, and antagonists you can’t help but hope meet a horrific and painful demise. Some of the the antagonists really got me riled. There are multiple story arcs running alongside the main plot, all of which come together beautifully in a tale of desperation, betrayal, ambition, and savagery. Toxic Minds was certainly an apt description for many of the characters within.
Book link:
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October 9, 2016
Book review: What I love about Dublin by Amanda Laneley
What I love about Dublin is due for release on October 15th, and I warn you, it is an addictive, engrossing, contemporary romance. I was thrilled to be approached by the author Amanda Laneley who asked if I would be interested in reading a pre-release copy.
Sara has fled to Dublin, escaping the life she was being forced into. It had always been her plan to travel, to see the world 
with nothing more than a pack on her back. But it seemed her life had already been mapped out, and her dreams were not taken into account. When a temporary position in Dublin was offered to her she left, never looking back. Nursing a broken heart the last thing she wanted was to find herself interested in another man, worse still, she was only permitted to stay her current lodgings on the understanding that under no circumstances can room mates date. What she feels is confusing, passionate, and undeniable, but each time she allows herself a moment of surrender fate intervenes. Misunderstandings, jealousy, and strife fill the household, threatening her chance of true happiness and creating the very atmosphere the rule intended to avoid.
This is not a book to be taken lightly. The minute I started reading I was hooked, in fact, this is one of the few books that has kept me up into the early hours of the morning. I read it in a single sitting, and that sitting finished just after 3am, despite the fact I knew I had a 7am start. What I Love About Dublin is filled with charisma and passion, not only between the characters, but in the writing itself. There are scenes which took my breath away, and others which gave rise to powerful emotions, frustration, sadness, joy and even heartache. I adored the characters, their interactions, and, of course, the setting. This book is everything a good romance should be, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
What I love about Dublin is due for release on October 15th, but don’t despair, you can pre-order a copy now here’s the book link:
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October 8, 2016
Book Review: Civilization by Stephen Drake
Civilization is the second book in Stephen Drake‘s Displaced series. Five years have past 
since Murdock first found himself on this planet, and the time has come for more Humans to arrive. But there are things here that should be protected. Murdock is the guardian of the Oomah, and now it falls to him to ensure those arriving do nothing to jeopardise their way of life. He is an emissary, a peace keeper, a difficult role at the best of times, let alone when faced with a pod full of power hungry people. Murdock must protect his family, the Oomah, and even the humans from one another in hope to create a future where all survive. The humans split into factions, their only similarities seeming to be their mutual disdain for the man who has tried only to help them. Can he unite them, or will their own perceived superiority be their undoing?
Civilization is filled with brilliant characters, from those you love, to those you outright hate. Stephen Drake captures the best and worst of humanity and puts it on display for all to see. This book is a tale of survival, but it is impossible not to reflect on where you yourself would fit within this world. It is an enjoyable read and easy to lose yourself in (as my 1am mornings will testify) ripe with vivid characters, great personalities and an enjoyable plot. I found it well written, gripping, and filled with brilliantly scripted dialogue. I certainly look forward to reading more works from this talented author.
Here are the Amazon links:
UK: Civilization
US: Civilization
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Book review: Oric and the Alchemist’s Key by Lesley Wilson
Oric and the Alchemist’s Key is a fantasy written by author Lesley Wilson
Oric was appreciate to the alchemist, until Dunburton was setup on by rogues. Loyal and 
true Oric sought out his master, but there was nothing to be done. His master, before taking his final breath, presented him with the alchemist’s key, warning it was the key to great wealth, or great disaster if it were to fall into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, money lender and low-life Esica Figg overheard all, and seeks not only to claim the key as his own, but lay siege and claim for his own the lands of those who have Oric shelter and safety. Oric, unaware of Figg’s schemes, serves his new master, the apothecary Ichtheus, with pride, and relishes the pursuit of knowledge, while all the time trying to discover where the key may fit.
Oric and the Alchemist’s Key is a charming story. Lesley Wilson forges a vibrant world with deep and developed characters. It is easy to envision yourself walking the market, heaving with the life of the unwashed masses, or settling down before the fire in the Lord’s mansion after a hard day’s labour. The author writes a descriptive tale and creates the perfect atmosphere which is further enhanced by the dialogue. A gripping tale from start to finish.
Book link:
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October 6, 2016
Book review: Two Hearts Surrendered
Two Hearts Surrendered is a beautiful romance written by Tamara Ferguson.
Luke, a young boy with a troubled past, sought a moment’s reprieve from his step-father’s abuse. He ran until his legs could carry him not further, and straight into the arms of fate. He saved the life of a young girl, but never could he have imagined the woman she would become, or her importance. No matter how hard he tries to resist. But just as he embraces the inevitable he is called back to war, and the man who returned was not the same as the one who left.
Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson is a beautifully written romance with believable and engaging characters. You can’t help but be drawn in and invested in the plight of the characters. The author’s style creates a perfect balance between vivid imagery and great interaction. Being the first work I have read by this author I can honestly say she has captured my attention and I will be reading some of her other work.
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October 5, 2016
Book review: Serpent of Shangrove by C.N Lesley
Serpent of the Shangrove by C N Lesley is a high fantasy
Copper has matured to adulthood in the world belonging to the Drakken but he still has memories of his life before passing through the portal and returning home and the memory which haunts him most is the one of Jazzler. One night, after being shunned and made unwelcome by his own kind due to his impure blood he seeks a moment of peace and notices the portal is once more open. He sets out to discover the truth of what befell Jazzler, unaware others of his kind, half-breeds led by his mother and father, would follow him. But it seems the people here somehow possess more knowledge of the Drakken than they did before,and the Firstborn speak of a serpent in the Shangrove being their Samara maidens captive.
Serpent of Shangrove by C.N. Lesley is every bit as charming and magical as Darkspire Reaches. It is a beautifully woven tale, fraught with peril, danger, love and mystery. The characters are engaging, each with their own history and sub-plot interwoven into the main story arc. If you enjoy high fantasy, this author is not one to be overlooked.
Link to book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Serpent-Shangrove-C-N-Lesley/dp/1909845493
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October 2, 2016
Book review: Echoes of the Past (The Lobster Cove Series) by Emma Kaye
Echoes of the Past (The Lobster Cove Series) is a magic realism, time travel, romantic novella by Emma Kaye
Isabeau was born and raised in Lobster Cove, only not like everyone else. In 1962 she was 
accused of witchcraft and was burnt at the stake, or that had been the town’s intention. Desperate to avoid her fate Isabeau cast a spell, one intended to set her free. But spells of such magnitude are difficult. Instead of finding herself no longer with Lobster Cove’s borders she find herself trapped within them, the only difference, the year. She soon discovers attempting to leave the town results in her being thrown through through time once more. Fifteen years have past and understanding the rules of her imprisonment Isabeau has managed to build a home for herself and adopts a dog to fill the void she feels within her life. Then along comes Grayson Wright, the nephew of the only person Isabeau has ever trusted with her secret, and it seems he is set on exposing whatever she is hiding, only it isn’t what he thinks it to be.
Emma Kaye has a wonderful writing style. While I read a lot there are only a few styles that will completely captivate me in this manner. I was hooked from the first page and lost in Isabeau’s story. One thing I really appreciated was the fact the author didn’t make the time travel or witchcraft all consuming. Like everything in life it has an impact on the character, it is part of their identity, but it doesn’t rule their every waking moment. This is a love story, and a well crafted one at that. I thought the characters were brilliant, and this story has made me keen to read more work from Emma Kaye.
Book link
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