Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 352

Review: BROKEN: STORIES OF DAMAGED PSYCHES by Weldon Burge

These stories are exactly like those I’ve seen on Tales from the Crypt or Twilight Zone, which is where the author got the inspiration.
From a doctor with a “sizzle” to shut his wife up for good to a high school kid dreading spending any more time with his gruesome history teacher, these stories are delightfully scary and full of irony.
Loved them!
My rating: 5 stars

Review: THE GHOST FILES series by Apryl Baker

Volume 2 – Mattie, the ghost girl is back! It the last book, the story ended with Mattie’s dead mom revealing that she wasn’t her real mother.
Mattie’s never had an easy life, and she will never forget the torture she experienced at the hands of her latest foster mother. But it would seem that things have gotten back to normal. Well….as normal as can be considering that she can see ghosts. But, now, there’s a demon in town and Officer Dan can see it. How is that possible? That leads her to a mission in a haunted house in New Orleans, the most haunted place on earth, with a team of special ghost hunters.
While getting over the betrayal and heart ache from Officer Dan, Mattie must battle the demon that’s after her and try to figure out who her real mother is.


Volume 3 – Silas, the demon has healed Mattie’s deformed hands. But at what cost? What’s in it for him?
Book 3 begins with a past recap of a woman giving up her daughter to protect her from Silas. Was this Mattie’s real mom? Was the baby Mattie? And what does Silas have to do with any of it?
Now, after ridding a vengeful ghost and demon from a haunted house, Mattie has come to embrace her Reaper gifts and the title of “Ghost Girl.” Still, it doesn’t stop those pesky ghosts from reaching out to her, especially a team of them who blame her for their death. What? How?
In this tale, Mattie finally meets her dad, but she can’t shake the sinister feeling behind that charismatic face. Mattie is caught between the demon, Silas, and her shady father. Both are telling her that she cannot trust the other. Meanwhile, her powers could be turning her into something she doesn’t want to be.


Volume 3.5 – This was a novella rehashing parts of the last book but centering on Mary and Caleb—two of Mattie’s friends. Mary and Caleb sort of have a thing for each other, while, at the same time, must contend with the new ghost in town. I don’t know, was this story really necessary? I wanted to continue Mattie’s saga, especially when, in the last book, Dr. Olivet (the ghost doctor) might’ve known more about Mattie and her mother than he led on. That’s a cliffhanger that just makes the reader want to learn more. Where’s Book 4? I didn’t want to hear about Mary and Caleb. Bring on more Mattie!


Stories had all the perks of a good ghost-hunting mystery! Full of intrigue. A few too many typos that irk the reader, but, overall, stories are pretty good.

My rating: 4 stars

Review: AURORA SKY: VAMPIRE HUNTER by Nikki Jefford

I loved Buffy, so when I found out about this book, I knew I just had to read it.
Aurora is the typical odd-girl-out that was anti-social and sucked at sports. A senior in high school, she can’t wait to graduate, go to college, and get out of cold Alaska.
After a car accident, it is revealed that Aurora has “special” blood—apparently, it’s mutated blood by how everyone was making it out to be.  It seems that they injected her with a virus that made her a powerful force to be reckoned with against the demonic world. Like Robocop, they took her mangled remains from the car wreck and revived her into this powerful, crime-fighting machine.  
I liked Aurora because she was your everyday, awkward teen (shy, witty, quiet), who liked to read and write. The fact that the agents were training her in kickboxing and martial arts made her even cooler. It disappointed me that she didn’t use those skills as often as I thought she would. There were a few areas that lagged here and there. I wanted to see her fight vampires, but, instead, she gets caught up in this whirlwind romance with Fane, who, (surprise!) ends up being a vampire.
Ending was not as epic as I expected it to be. Instead it was more confusing than satisfying. But, overall, this was pretty good.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Review: FIFTEEN FABULOUS FAIRY TALES by Karen Isaacson

This is a book of short stories, which I have a soft spot for. When you don’t want to read a full-length novel, you reach for a short story.  Well, these are 15 fairy tales from “A Tale of Two Pretties” to “The Simple Baker.”
A fairy tale is a compilation of poetry and story.  Yes, there are kings, knights, princesses, and dragons, which I’m not that keen on, but this is a fairy tale, after all. Best part about them was the modernization within. They weren’t entirely written in the Old Fashioned manner. Some of the verses may have been a tad cheesy and repetitive, but I liked the simplicity of these stories. Some of them could be a little daunting, and, surely, some were better than others. I wouldn’t necessarily call them “fabulous,” but they’re quick, comprehensible, and straightforward.

My rating: 2.5 stars

Review: THE UGLY TEAPOT by Fred Holmes

14-year old Hannah is grieving the death of her father. The only thing she has left was the lamp he gave her, which she was reminded of by a telepathic dog. Mmm, that’s interesting.
The lamp is just one of the “priceless relics” retrieved by her father from those dark and dangerous places he visited. He told her that this was “Aladdin’s lamp.” Ha! But, to Hannah, it was just an old, ugly teapot. But what if she could use it to resurrect her father?
At first, it would seem her wish didn’t work and Hannah was now stuck with a raggedy lamp and a somber genie. Soon, she’s thrust in a whirlwind of chaos when she realizes her father is alive and has been kidnapped by the Magician, who only wants the lamp.
As the story unfolds, it turns out that Aladdin’s lamp was not just a storybook or a myth; but “all myths have some basis in fact.” Now, the quest is on to return the lamp to the Cave of Forty Thieves to end the cycle of greed and suffering.
Story is a well-written adventure. Who wouldn’t want to have Aladdin’s lamp and have 3 wishes? I liked how the author crafted history and mythology into a well-researched tale; he didn’t “Disney” it up, making it cheesy and frivolous (even though the talking dog may have been a little cheesy.) Instead, it felt more like an Indiana Jones adventure with its incisive knowledge and intrepid spirit. What was perhaps a little confusing was the concept of time. For example, as a scene of a mosque unfolded in front of Hannah’s eyes, her mother was staring at that same picture 7K miles away. What? I didn’t quite get that. Also, at times, I felt the trek to be daunting and some details to be too complicated.   Although the historical significance was appreciated, I still would’ve much preferred a simplified version.

My rating: 3 stars

Review: MENDED by Kayla Marie

Ashley misses the sweet boy her son used to be--before the "incident."   Now, "he was a 13-year old boy heading toward a life in prison if she didn't take drastic action." (5) What happened that changed him so suddenly? Perhaps the death of his father.
Now, Ashley is forced to leave the city life and move to the country side of Alabama, hoping to keep her son out of trouble and away from the criminal activities. After all, "country life had its benefits: fresh air, wide-open spaces, and less opportunity for hoodlum-induced trouble, all things that could do a boy like Emmett some good." (9) Still, that may not be enough.
Meanwhile, Wade is also struggling with guilt over his brother's incarceration.
Ashley and Wade both have the same goal: to knock some sense into their loved ones and save them from their pain, their anger, their life.
One day, Wade catches Emmett rummaging in his garage, and, suddenly, it's like he can see his brother's life all over again. He can see the young boy's bubbling anger and unwavering resentment toward his father. Instantly, the two boys sense a comfort around each other and realize they share the same emotional turmoil. The same goes for Ashley, who feels drawn to the husky,  southern gentleman with a ravenous appetite and skilled hands.
I liked how Wade was able to be a strong role model for Emmett. That male bonding can really motivate and enlighten someone. The romantic aspect between Wade and Ashley was also heartwarming, especially when Ashley is still haunted by the final frightening moments of her husband's life. These characters showed great strength and compatibility, meandering through their inner qualms against the backdrop of luscious  country scenery infused with the southern aromas of chicken-fried steak and home-style apple pie.
Warm, touching, and charming, this well-written novel captivates readers with its endearing characters and emotional plights. Mendedis all about breaking and repairing; it's about getting lost and finding your way. Story is enriched with a delicious cornucopia of  guilt, pain, and love-- powerful ingredients blended for the perfect combination of a sweet and savory tale. You'll want to eat it up!                               
My rating: 5 stars

Review: THE PHILISTINE HEART by Jean Evergreen

 “After I had declared my independence from corporate America, I was confident I would never again have to take another trivial, soul-crushing position. No more incompetent bosses, nonsensical office politics, bothersome co-workers, or dedication to pointless projects that I cared nothing about. I was finally free… Free to create my own path, live my passions, to feel like I exist, that I’m not merely dream walking through life.
“Now, two years later, with the reality of going broke only weeks away, I’m forced to accept a position at a marketing agency where I make only a fraction of what I did at my last job. After all of my efforts to exit the rat race I’m back at the beginning. And I’m aptly reminded of the wise words from Sinatra: that’s life. Sometimes life’s not about passion or dreams, but rather having a roof over your head and food on the table. It’s about staying in the race long enough to eventually get ahead. And surviving the race long enough to reach the finish line. But then, who really wants to reach the finish line? That’s a depressing thought.” (13)
Right of the bat, Bridget becomes a relatable and endearing character that tells it like it is.
“If all the world is a stage, then I’ve been typecast to play the same role for every performance: quiet, diffident girl with a sunny disposition.” (13)
“What’s this about Photoshop? Now I’m a graphic designer? I really should have read the job description better. That’s what I hate about these lower level jobs. There’s never a clear definition of my duties. I’m expected to do whatever they throw at me even if I’m wholly unqualified. Five o’clock can’t come soon enough.” (13)
Well-written, frank, and witty!  
“I can’t help but distrust a person who always appears upbeat and happy — it just seems unnatural. In the back of my mind, I wonder what ugly muck is hidden behind all that glaring sunshine. What kind of person am I really talking to?” (22)
The reader will stand by Bridget as she trudges through the mundane office life, trying to get by while trumping those who wish to ruin her. On the outside, she plays the confident, self-assured business woman; but, on the inside, she’s fragile and unsure. She likes to keep things simple, especially with her long-distance boyfriend. Fearful of commitment and intimacy, she has no desire for marriage or family, and has virtually no idea what this relationship is, especially when she and Blake are so different. I found it so hilarious how their impromptu romp in the sack lasted only three minutes, leaving Bridget disappointed and unfulfilled. Classic!
She definitely can’t stand the fakeness of society, but she presents it with such eloquent finesse. Yes, she has her issues and her own dark skeletons from her past (who doesn’t?), but you can’t help but admire her boldness and tenacity.
“The very idea that passion and love should go hand in hand is a plot sold by Harlequin romance novels. It’s a fantasy ideal, a fiction notion. I live my life in reality, not bound between the pages of a book. In real life, you take love where you can get it because it is a rare thing indeed.” (29)
The best thing about Bridget is that she’s honest with herself—about her flaws, her fears, her inhibitions. Written in a diary-format, this story relays the candid thoughts of a hopeless, misanthropic woman, who wonders if there’s more to life than meets the eye. She has more than she can take with office banalities, a co-worker’s wedding, and “Christmas Spirit Week” filled with “inane chit chat and exaggerated friendliness.” Yep, Bridget definitely has the philistine heart, and you’ll love her for it.  But it would seem she has a soft spot for an alluring man, who makes her feel that she doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. Then she realizes that he’s not perfect either. The past comes back to haunt us all.
Smart, savvy, and entertaining! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll say, “Yep, life happens.”


My rating: 5 stars

Review: THE DAY HE WENT AWAY by Jennifer Millikin

For a while, Kate has been thinking and daydreaming more and more about Ethan, her best friend, who has been in love with her for years but has always been rejected. Now, perhaps Katie is having second thoughts, especially since he's "Army strong." Yeah, well, the Army will do that.
In a matter of days, Ethan deploys to Afghanistan on a military op for 10 months, but he still makes it his mission to wait for Kate to return his love.
Told in the POV of Kate and Ethan, story is a tale of unrequited and a promising love. A once-in-a-lifetime love. The day he went away, Ethan promised he would return to Kate, to be together, to live out their love as they were always meant to. The news of Ethan's death was heart-wrenching and earth-shattering. How could Katie go on living in a world without Ethan?
Kate is drowning, spiraling in loss and guilt, her struggle to breathe tightened by devastation. Like Ethan, she's dead. But an old Army buddy of his might just be able to bring her back. Nick promised Ethan that he would take care of Kate. Together, they find a way to get back to the living. We're fighting this fight together. That's how we'll make it through.
Well-written and endearing. The author knows how to weave a tale full of complexity and sorrow. The story is a powerful tale of grief and healing.

My rating: 5 stars

Review: LUNA PARK by Heather Blackwood

An ancient amusement park: something seems off about it. But what could be so scary about it?
Astrid has a terrible home life, living with a mother that constantly abuses her. Her only hope is to wait til she graduates, save enough money, and head to New York for college. Astrid and her cousin, Elliot, are two kids struggling to get by, working long hours at Luna Park.
What’s up with Yukiko and something stealing her spirit ball? What the hell is a spirit ball? She’s not human? Kitsunes? Myobu? I was just confused about Yukiko and Santiago. I wanted to hear more about Astrid and Elliot. And what was all this about Princess Red Fawn giving Astrid white packets of salt? Weird.
This could’ve been an interesting horror mystery, but, overall, it was just too weird and too slow to get to the meat of the plot—the point of it all.


My rating: 2.5 stars

Review: DRAWING BLOOD by JG Alva

Sutton Mills was in Hell. At least, that’s what it felt like when he woke up alone, in pain, and blind. What was worse was that he had no memory of any of it.
It all started when Sutton met with a detective concerning the will of his recently deceased friend. Why would he leave him a box he can’t open along with a list of unknown names? Strange. What’s even stranger was that Sutton’s friend was murdered.
Story kind of yo-yo’s back and forth between past (when he looks into his friend’s death) and present (when he’s locked away some place with no memory.) This, in itself, was kind of annoying. I find that if there’s too much time change, then the reader often becomes lost. The story was well-written, for the most part, but the overall pace was rather sluggish and tedious for my liking. In all honesty, the case wasn’t as riveting as I thought it would be. It mostly dawdled.  Don’t get me wrong. I love a good mystery, but this one just didn’t do anything for me.

My rating: 2.5 stars