K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 78
April 1, 2016
Book review: The Crystal Shard (The legend of Ditzz book IV)
This is the first book I’ve read by R.A. Salvatore, I was looking for an epic fantasy read and 
a good friend pointed me here as they read it a long time back. Now I wish I started with book one and may find myself backtracking.
This book was initially published in 1988 stemming three editions to date, that means it predates the games such as World of Warcraft and other role play games which have brought to life some of the very images being described here. These books were what I would class as an epic movement in the world of fantasy stories, baring in mind the genre back then was not as popular as today and these tales have aged excellently. I didn’t feel as though I was reading a story crafted almost thirty years back, which in itself is a tribute to the author and their style
I’ve not played D&D but it is certainly on my to do list, the reason I mention this is I can’t be certain how much of the lore and mythos are from the author’s own creation and how much already exists in the books. I will say that the book contains a fantastic narrative, flows well, and introduces a number of interesting and gripping characters, and as so many have before me, I must say I am very fond of the characters in this book, Drittz especially caught my interest, and I look forward to learning more of him as I back track to book one. I have laughed and cringed with the characters through their tale, it really was an enjoyable read.
This author is definitely on my future buy list when I feel like a good old fashioned fantasy tale, in fact, I predict I shall be picking up a number of his works in the near future.
Here are the links:
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
March 26, 2016
Book review: The Experiencers (The Valiant Chronicles #1) by Val Tobin
I came across this author a little while ago via an indies for charity group and asked if she 
would be willing to do an interview (here). I instantly brought her first book as it piqued my interests.
Whilst UFO and abduction stories rarely make my reading list, I am so glad I picked up this book. The Experiencers was a thrilling read, at times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There is an excellent combination of the science fiction, and dystopian genres.
The story follows two protagonists on different sides of the spectrum. Michael, an Agency assassin who works to silence those intent of revealing the secrets of UFOs and government plots. He is an executor or kidnapper of those deemed a threat to the mission. A task he undertakes without question, that is until his path crosses with Carolyn’s. Carolyn is a psychic medium, abductee, wife, mother, and member of a sky watching group. All too soon Michael is forced to question the true intentions behind the Agency and there in lies the problem. He was trained not to ask questions.
This book has an excellent narrative which compels the reader onwards regardless of the hour. The characters are well-conceived and their interactions natural and involving. You can’t help but become invested in their plight and there are certain very tense moments. I have little experience in the UFO area of literature, so the best comparison I can make would be a cross between The Men in Black, X-files, and perhaps The Chronicle.
I can honestly say that I am looking forward to picking up the second book in this series. As soon as this review is finished I am heading over to Amazon and putting it in my wishlist.
As always, here are the links:
UK: The Experiencers
US: The Experiencers
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
March 22, 2016
Book review: A Soul Divided (The Blood Fire Trilogy Book 1) by Daniel M Quilter
I am going to start off by saying I absolutely loved this book, and for me that is not a phrase I utter lightly, in fact over the course of all my reviews I have maybe uttered this 
phrase two or three times.
The plot focuses mainly on the plights of Drake as he is drawn into a situation only he is capable of handling. Of course, it doesn’t help matters that Drake is on the opposing side of the war, the Mystics versus the Human Empire. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and in order to save his legacy the king of the Human Empire must recruit his aid. Fortunately for the King, Drake’s own brother serves within his ranks. As the war rages on, and truths hidden from even some of the royals are unveiled, the situation becomes more desperate, the stakes higher, as Drake tries to deliver his end of the deal.
The characters in this book are fantastic, my favourite being Drake with his quick tongue and witty retorts. The focus spans across several characters who each have their own very unique identity and back story. You’ll find no cookie cutter characters here, you will however find complex relationships, agendas, betrayal, and vices. Not to mention a hidden secret or two. You can’t help but like the characters, and they honestly left me grinning.
The plot is an immersive one, and I was reluctant to put it down. In the interest of full disclosure I was initially sent a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review, however before I even got halfway through I had brought myself a copy. Such brilliant writing deserves no less.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, or anyone who simply enjoys a good plot with strong characters and an excellent narrative.
I am eagerly awaiting book two, how could I not with an ending like that?
Here are the links.
UK: A Soul Divided
US: A Soul Divided
Filed under: author, book review, reading, writing
March 19, 2016
Author interview: Cary Allen Stone
Good morning and welcome to another Symposium Saturday. This week I am joined by the creator of the Jake Roberts Novels, Crime Fiction author Cary Allen Stone. Without further ado, for your reading pleasure, let’s meet the author.
About the author.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
Recently, I was asked to write a short story for a Mother’s Day box set titled
“Mother’s Day Magic…With love” Anthology along with 12 other award-winning authors from around the globe. It was not an easy task, so I asked my significant other to write it with me. I write crime fiction and psychological thrillers normally.
When asked what I wanted on the cover for the anthology, I said some blood and crime scene tape. My Jake Roberts Novels are all 5–Star reads. So we set out to change my genre for a brief time. The result, we became Amazon Best-Selling authors.
My backstory is, I spent almost forty years inside the cockpits of corporate jets and airlines and because of it I acquired a unique perspective of life. I always wanted to write but career and kids came first. When they had grown, I began to write. I was fortunate in 1992 to fly Sir Ridley Scott on a location scout in the islands. We talked about writing and building an image inside the words. He was quite a mentor. I wrote several stories and screenplays and received high marks.
Before all of that, I graduated from high school with a JD, juvenile delinquent, and from college with a Bachelor of Arts. I was lucky to be involved in some films both in LA and Phoenix. My biggest role was I played the bad guy in an AAA advertisement.
I have done voice-over, radio commercials, and standup comedy magic, even represented the USA alongside nine other countries in the Night of Magic in Bogota,Colombia performing before dignitaries, ambassadors and their families.
For my “Stealing Atlanta,” I received the endorsements of Clive Cussler and Tim Dorsey. My first published work was a true crime story titled, “Through a Mother’s Eyes.” It was a case study of parents who murder their children. I had a friend who murdered her six-year-old son and I did a case study of the tragedy. Respected expert, Dr. Philip Resnik, said it was the best layman’s book on the matter of “filicide.” The book has a worldwide reach, and is intended to prevent another tragedy. Book Bub did a promotion on it and 14,976 books went out in a day.
Other than all of that, I am a proud member of the oldest women’s writers club in the country, the Phoenix Writer’s Club, began by women reporters in the 1920s. And I am a member of many writers’ organizations.
As a last note, my significant other has worked with me on nearly all of my Jake Roberts Novels. The first time she has published was as co-author on our “Forever Sunshine,” for the anthology and she became an Amazon Best-Seller.
Wow, I feel winded.
What are your hobbies?
The work on local Indie film sets is a hobby. I used to do open mic nights. Most time now is spent on my Mac.
Which writers inspire you?
All writers inspire me, and should inspire all authors. You learn from everyone.
You can take away a vision, a thought, a direction, a nuance from anybody. That said, I read science fiction. Cussler, Dorsey, Patterson, Randy Wayne White, Tess Gerritson to name the big names.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I used to travel a great deal, so my iPad was always a required travel companion.
What are you reading at present?
Any article, or book, or magazine I can find on space travel. I want to step out of my crime fiction genre and write a scifi story.
What is your favourite book and why?
“The Hunt For Red October” by Tom Clancy. I must have read it three or four times and I have never done that with any other book. I love submarines. It was his first and best work.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
“Tombstone” with Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. I can quote verbatum almost the entire film. It touched so many nerves of humanity. I love characters like Doc Holiday because they are the best and worst of us all. They have good sides and are not completely evil. They have to struggle with their demons.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Raising my children. Second to that, flying for forty years with an untarnished safety record. My passengers and crew got home safe.
How do you relax?
Take a drive into the Four Peaks mountains with the woman I love and spend the day at Saguaro Lake, or drive to Sedona.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Be dedicated. Learn the subtleties of your craft. And be prepared to expose you in your writing.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Giving.
About writing
What made you realize your calling as an author?
When my intense imagination needed somewhere to go.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
A word, a phrase, a concept to explore, observing what is around me.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
“Through a Mother’s Eyes” took four years beginning until publishing. I did research and interviews with the court, her attorney, the homicide detectives and police officers on the scene, psychiatric depositions, and finally spending several days with her in the female correctional facility where she was incarcerated.
But the fiction I write usually takes a year.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I never outline. I write 24/7 inside my head. I find a title, a first sentence, the last sentence, and generally where the story is going. Basically the story is finished and corrected by the time I get to the page. The fun begins when you drift off the plan into those unexpected subplots along the way.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
To stay dedicated and focused.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
Using a word processor with spell check.
Do you ever get writer’s block and if so, how do you deal with it?
Never, because as I said, I work the story and details in my head before I get to the keyboard. I can keep, or discard anything in my head, or change to another plot line.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
Six. I like “After the Evil” my first Jake Roberts novel, and it is the favorite of women readers, but all of my books are my favorites for different reasons. They all have a special place in my heart.
What are you working on at the moment?
My next Jake Roberts Novel.
About the books
What genre are your books?
One true crime and four crime fiction/psychological thrillers.
What book titles have you released so far?
“Through a Mother’s Eyes” “Stealing Atlanta” and the Jake Roberts Novels: “After the Evil” “Mind Over Murder” “After the Goode” and “After the Kill”
Tell us a little bit about the series.
I think the best way to describe them is from a reviewer:
The exceptional thing about the Jake Roberts Novels is the emotive and human
touch that is given to the main characters. Each book is a taut, compelling and darkly introspective read. Cary Allen Stone delivers cunning and well-executed plots.
The twists are served timely as he skillfully penetrates the enigma of lives irrevocably tinged by the detritus of evil. As simply engaging thrillers, The Jake Roberts Novels have all the elements readers expect from the best in the genre, but by leaning towards the fallible side of his characters, Stone imbues them with a real world presence, demonstrating diversity in thought and execution that fans of the genre will find enthralling.
If you like hard hitting gritty novels that portray the true side of investigations with a fantastic eye for the harsh details of a crime scene, this series is for you. An author must entirely absorb the reader in order to deliver the thrill. Stone has an impressive gift for constructing complex and intricate detective stories.
The Jake Roberts Novels are a gratifyingly graphic murder mystery series with real depth that judiciously avoids the many trite stereotypes that dominate popular crime thrillers. By blurring the lines of justice, Stone sows the seeds for some serious reflection, in what proves to be a puzzle worthy of the most demanding armchair sleuths.
Where can we buy them?
Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, B&N, Smashwords, most crime fiction sites.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Homicide detective Jake Roberts, as one reviewer wrote, “Detective Jake Roberts rates alongside Patterson’s Alex Cross and Robinson’s Inspector Banks, a detective to rival Morse, Rebus and Frost.”
Jake is everyone’s friend. He’s a protector. He sees everyone the same. He
understands we all have a good side and a bad side and what a razor’s edge
separates them. He tries his best to follow the rules, but in “Mind Over Murder” and “After the Kill,” he’s willing to break the rules to stop the bad guy, or girl. In “Mind Over Murder,” he broke a serial killer out of prison to help him with a case. He’s a funny, loveable man. He will give you everything he has. And he has many demons
of his own.
Who is your favourite character and why? (an unfair question I know)
Jake, of course for men for all the above reasons. Lori Powers for women because she is the serial killer he fell in love with in “After the Evil.”
In what formats is your book available?
Paperback and every e-reader on the market, also audiobook. I recently had a
reviewer who was sensitive to foul language. I sent her a Word.doc with the bad words X’d out. If you want to read my books I will chisel the story on stone tablets if I have to.
When is your next book due for release?
I just started Jake Roberts Novel number five so I would expect a Christmas
release.
Book titles and synopsis:
MOTHER’S DAY MAGIC…With love ANTHOLOGY
Every mother’s heart holds a bit of magic…her children’s love.
Enchantment awaits in a dozen brand new, previously unpublished-stories, written by #1 bestselling and/or multi-award winning authors from across the globe. Whether it’s a captivating tale of romance or fiction fashioned from loving memories, these poignant stories are sure to touch your heart.
10% of proceeds from this anthology will go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society toward research..
AFTER THE EVIL – A Jake Roberts Novel (Book 1)
Airline captain Nick Parker has an insatiable sexual appetite and wants sexy flight 
attendant Megan. On a sexual sabbatical, Fr. Anthony Moralli wants to taste the forbidden fruit. Dr. Thaddeus Abrams married into money, but wants her dead. Chief of Detectives, Ed Fairchild meets a man who has information about the case. He also had a knife. What do they all have in common––death by serial killer. FBI profiler Mika Scott and homicide detective Jake Roberts are obsessed on a cold trail that turns flaming hot. Will they get there in time? The killer is within a fingertips reach.
MIND OVER MURDER – A Jake Roberts Novel (Book 2)
Jake Roberts returns in the thriller Mind Over Murder. In After the Evil, Lori Powers fled the U.S. after leaving a trail of dead men behind. She is returned to the U.S. to stand trial. A new serial killer wants to murder Jake. His life is in jeopardy. To stop him, Jake helps Lori to escape from her cell. Will she help Jake, or take his life? Not your average serial killer story.
Mind Over Murder is the perfect serial killer read!
AFTER THE GOODE – A Jake Roberts Novel (Book 3)
Detective Jake Roberts went outside the law to capture serial killer Jared Hamilton. His
superiors in Atlanta Homicide gave Jake a choice––retire, or face criminal prosecution. He decided to retire and move to LA with his Hollywood agent girlfriend Caitland. He writes bestselling crime novels. Caitland and Jake go to Phoenix to visit his childhood friend. Fred and Andrea take them to the opening night show of superstar comedian Bobby Goode. During the show, Bobby humiliates a heckler. Phoenix homicide detectives Wynter Williams and Vince Farina are investigating a murder. Jake happens onto the crime scene and is asked to consult on the case. Jake and Wynter have growing suspicions about who the killer might be. They arrive to see Bobby’s last show before he leaves for New York City. “Shots fired!”
AFTER THE KILL – A Jake Roberts Novel (Book 4)
Jake never looks for trouble, but you can bet it’s looking for him in the psychological thriller AFTER THE KILL. A beautiful morning quickly becomes a life and death day. Mackenzy earns a doctorate in forensic psychology, and specializes in serial killers. She wants to understand them beyond the textbooks. Will a DNA sample give her a clue? Caitland returns to LA for the party while Jake stays in Phoenix. It looks like Oscar night at the house in Malibu as Caitland hosts her A-list clients. Caitland is caught by surprise when the party’s over.
Will Jake get there in time?
STEALING ATLANTA
Brandyn Wood and his team are professional con men. Their mark is Fed 
Chairman,Portend Ulysses Buford. “Smooth” is a legend in the business. “Summer” is the sexy, brilliant PhD. “Mysty” is an ex-Navy Seal. And “Crackhead” is the master machine wizard that hacks the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. After the con is over they escape to Freeland, the island they own and rule with no extradition and they are very, very rich. High-rollers fill the casinos. The fetish club is packed––worshipping room only. Brandyn is resurrected from the dead and reunites with Mai. It isn’t just an ordinary bank job––it’s the bank job of a lifetime!
THROUGH A MOTHER’S EYES
A chilling look at human nature in a context where the lines between right and wrong become sadly blurred. It’s a compelling account of one woman’s life, and what drove her to take the life of her six-year-old son. How everyday choices shape our perceptions justifications, and actions. One must consider how close to the edge we all are. It’s a true story told in layman’s terms, with the hope of preventing another tragic loss.
Connect with the author:
Email: caryallenstone@aol.com
Website: http://full.caryallenstone.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caryallenstoneauthor
Amazon author page: https://amazon.com/author/caryallenstone
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaryAllenStone @CaryAllenStone
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/caryallenstone/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomcaryallenstone
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Caryallenstone
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CaryAllenStone
March 18, 2016
Book review: Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend by Marsha A Moore
I first came across this author with her book Witches Moonstone Locket, and I promised myself there and then I would read more work from this talented author.
Seeking a Scribe (Book one in the Enchanted Bookstore Legend) is a true fantasy tale, dragons, familiars, wizards, guardians, and magic. It has everything needed to sate those magical cravings and is written in a wonderful and captivating style.
The story follows the protagonist Lyra, wrought with grief from recent events she visits her aunt, who is fighting cancer. There she finds a whole new world of mystery and enchantment, a place which has been waiting for her for a very long time. Only she can save the magical world of Dragonspeir she found herself welcomed into, but, as they usually do, forces conspire to ensure she fails.
I loved the characters within this book, and I thought the developing relationship between Lyra and Cullen was done well. I am not really a reader of erotica, so I appreciated the subtle undertones and implications made as to the relationship as things get more heated between them. I loved the mystical characters, and I look forward to picking up the next book in the series.
As Always Here are the links
UK: Seeking a Scribe
US: Seeking a Scribe
Filed under: author, book review, reading
March 14, 2016
Book review: Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone
Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone is a short story featured in the collection Mother’s 
Day Magic: …with Love.
The anthology was written by a collection of number one, and best selling authors focusing on romance or loving memories. Mr Stone approached me and asked if I would be willing to do a quick review for his contribution to the anthology.
Whilst not my normal reading genres a change is as good as a rest, and this was certainly a pallet cleanser. I found the writing style very immersive. The dialogue is well scripted, and throughout the story we learn more about not only the main characters featured, a brother and sister Charley and Janey, but about their mother who had died the year before.
Throughout tale you learn about the mother’s life, as well as the life of her children and their loved ones. It really is a beautiful story with a touching ending. I can’t really say much more without spoiling what proves to be a wonderful read.
The characters are well developed, and although this is a short story, I did not feel it in any way lacking. Often I find in short stories the author will sacrifice deepening the character in favour of the event being weaved, but this tale possessed the perfect balance, clearing showing the author’s talent for their craft.
Links:
UK: Mother’s Day Magic: …with Love
US: Mother’s Day Magic: …with Love
Filed under: author, book review, reading
March 13, 2016
Book review: The White Wolf Prophecy – Scroll of Time – Book 3 by LK Kelley
Scroll of Time is the third book in The White Wolf Prophecy Series, having read the other 
two I was looking forward to seeing where the author would take the protagonists and how the series would be concluded.
The book itself continues to focus around the four female protagonists, their mates, and the antagonist Zanack.This book does well in tying up the plot, exposing the truth behind what is happening and why, as well as creating some very interest and in depth reasons and mythos behind the how and why everything within the book until this point occurred, including evens such as the Vampire wars.
One of the main mysteries throughout the series was the identify of the antagonist, and if you read the book you are certainly in for a surprise. But that of course is not the only twist and surprise this book has in store, there are events that unfold you cannot imagine and powers developed beyond what is expected.
I can’t say any more without spoiling the story, but I would certainly recommend starting at book one in the series.
As always, here are the links:
UK: Scroll of Time
US: Scroll of Time
Filed under: author, book review, reading
March 12, 2016
Book review: Pledged by Louise G White Book 3 in the Gateway Series
Pledged by Louise G White is the third and final instalment in the Gateway Series.
Having read the first two instalments in this series I couldn’t wait to see where Carolyn’s fate led her next. Of course with so much happening between books one and two, and such a fantastic array of unique characters with their own challenges, Carolyn’s story wasn’t the only one I was interested in.
Starting shortly after the end of the last book, we are straight away emerged back into the story. I particularly liked how, in this book, the author had done subtitles highlighting the person’s point of view you were following at that time. I have never seen this in anything I have read before now, and thought it worked really well – especially when I was ready to turn in for the night and my eye caught who’s next, compelling me to read for just a little longer. The story itself is not only well constructed but possesses the author’s familiar flowing rhythm with her visual and immersive style.
Each of the characters, as I mentioned above, have their own story arcs which are expertly addressed in line with the main plot. From the initial book in the series to this one, you can clearly see the growth of each of the characters and the building of their relationships, which, for me, is not only the sign of a good story, but an indication of the thought and depth given to the characters in their creation. With such a wide cast of protagonists and antagonists there is always a risk of falling into cookie-cutter stereotypes, something this author has not once done during the series. Each one of the characters is unique with their own distinctive personalities, which, in a very true-to-life manner, show some absorption of the occasional mannerism from the group they were in.
As with both the previous books there is no shortage of imagination, conflict, and investment. I would highly recommend this series to anyone, certainly deserving of a 5 star rating, not once throughout the entire series have I been disappointed. I look forward to seeing more work from this author.
Links
UK: Pledged: Gateway series Book 3
US: Pledged: Gateway series Book 3
Filed under: author, reading
March 5, 2016
Book review: The Demon’s Beast (Knights of Elyssa Book 2) by D.S. Smith
The Demon’s Beast (Knights of Elyssa Book 2) by D.S. Smith is a dark fantasy and the sequel to The Demon of Petra’s Meadow.
Without spoiling the story for any who haven’t read it yet the plot focus on the events of a small village which is being attacked by creatures mutated by demon essence, but all is not as it first appears as the protagonists soon discover.
Whilst I enjoyed the first book, I felt this one eclipsed it in every way. The Demon’s Beast is a clear indication of how writers grow and develop as they hone their skills. The introduction of strife and turmoil within the ranks and hierarchy, as well as realistic reactions to dystopian attitudes from the higher ups, really help to flush out the world and give a sense that all is not as it should be. I honestly believe this story was everything it needed to be, and some of the lines will stay with me for some time.
So far, this has been my favourite in the Knights of Elyssa series, and I am looking forward to seeing how this series progresses. With each passing tale we learn more of the characters, and more of the world. The more you learn, the more you want to know.
Book links:
UK – The Demon’s Beast
US – The Demon’s Beast
Filed under: author, book review, reading
March 4, 2016
Book review: Demorn: Blade of Exile (The Asanti Series Book 1) by David Finn
Demorn: Blade of Exile is a fast paced action/sci-fi which follows the gripping adventure of Demorn, a mercenary for hire within the ranks of the Innocents. Her blade and gun will serve any who are willing to pay, but her journey, the secrets she uncovers come with a price.
This is not the kind of book you want to put down. The story is unique, and the author weaves a complex tale staged through various realities the one constant, Demorn. But exactly how much she remembers of herself, of her mission, of what must be done, is left to the hands of the Gods who exploit her.
The author is very gifted in creating a very visual and propelling tale. He shows no mercy in throwing you straight into Demorn’s world and battles. I was hooked on this from the moment I picked it up, the first chapters alone are amazing, strong, and well written which sets the pace for the rest of the book. (Don’t forget you can try a sample for free on Amazon and see what I mean)
Here are the links:
Filed under: author, book review, reading
