Elizabeth Suggs's Blog, page 7
April 16, 2021
Book Review: Stained Mirror
By Elizabeth Suggs
Stained Mirror by Gianni Franco is an intense, graphic story about a serial killer cop.
This story starts strong with some awesome quotes and some interesting ideas on life as a crooked cop. Detective Frank Stark is haunted by past victims and his own stained reflection.
One thing I didn’t like was the amount of dialogue in the book. Sometimes it felt like the dialogue went on too long, and I lost interest. For instance, I didn’t love the scenes with the therapist. While I understand the reason for these scenes, I didn’t particularly enjoy these.
While some of the scenes were a little too sexual or graphic for me, I can see why this would appeal to others.
Some of my favorite quotes:
The less you know about your health, the healthier you’ll be.
Considering everything else I put in my body, the cigarettes are probably healthy.
If you like graphic, messed up serial killers, then you may like this!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 14, 2021
Book Review: The Madness of Pursuit
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Madness of Pursuit by Carmelo Rafala is a sci-fi/fantasy novella centered around a notorious badass pirate woman named Dema Ägan.
Dema's story is told from multiple perspectives, and I like this because it shows her character and the characters surrounding her, as complex, three-dimensional beings. There's love and betrayal; there's death and deceit—all packed together in a short, well-paced novella.
What I loved most of all, though, was Rafala's writing. I'm a sucker for sing-songy, almost poetic writing styles, and this story is chock-full of the stuff. There's so much imagery in a single sentence. I could read some of Rafala's lines a thousand times and not be bored.
But I didn't like the timelines of the story. We went backward, and I didn't think it was necessary. Why not start right at the beginning and go in chronological order?
Here are my two favorite quotes:
They crash against the rocks, disintegrate in a veil of white foam, run back out, and tumble in again.
That face returns to me out of the night—her face—to prick on my face and freeze my heart.
Read this if you want something quick and piratey!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 13, 2021
Book Review: The Flip Side of Sad
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Flip Side of Sad by Ashley Amber is a super short story (I read this in 30 minutes) about a musician who can’t find happiness when he should be happy, right? He’s got the one thing he wanted: fame, but it makes him empty, and then he has an awful day. He cracks.
Here’s my favorite quote:
Things do change, and love gets better.
This is super cute and sends the right message. If you’re looking for something quick to lift your spirits, try this.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 10, 2021
Book Review: Stranded
By Elizabeth Suggs
Stranded by Rosalind Tate is a historical fantasy where two students find themselves in 1925 England, after a very unconventional lift ride.
I really enjoy reading books with strong female main characters, and this story didn’t disappoint! The protagonist, Sophie Arundel, is headstrong and clever. I really liked her and identified with her in many ways. I feel like if I was in her shoes, I would have acted very much the same.
I also liked that I didn’t need to know much of the 1920s to understand what was going on. Tate did a wonderful job of explaining things without being overtly telly or boring about it. It also helped that her writing is engaging and enjoyable to read.
This was a great read, and I am anxiously waiting for book two!
Here are some cool quotes:
Brain freeze wouldn’t stop her cracking this; the lift puzzle was a research project, not an exam.
Outside, noisy fireworks exploded. A pristine, regular pop, pop, pop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 8, 2021
Book Review: Chaos and Retreat
By Elizabeth Suggs
Chaos and Retreat by Warwick Gibson is a sci-fi novel about aliens bringing war on humans, and only one man named Regent Cordez can save humanity.
This was a well-written, well-paced book. The characters were three-dimensional and Gibson knows how to write great tension. All in all, a very solid addition to the sci-fi genre.
And while I think this is a great book for anyone who wants something written about space, I’m not a huge fan of galactic war, so I was a little bored, but that’s more of my taste and not the quality of the book.
You'll love this book if you enjoy many storylines and well-developed characters, cool technology, and, of course, war.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 5, 2021
Book Review: The Boxer and the Blacksmith
By Elizabeth Suggs
The Boxer and the Blacksmith by Edie Cay is a historical romance about, you guessed it, a boxer and a blacksmith, and it was absolutely wonderful.
The boxer, Bess Abbott, was a hardass, cauliflower-eared fighter who just wanted love and wanted to give love. I think my most favorite thing about her character was her many imperfections. She wasn’t beautiful or pure, but she was powerful. She would take beatings just to protect the ones she loved or just to see if she could withstand a fight. And the best part? Bess was a real person.
I loved this story, but learning that Bess was real made it all the better. She was based off of a real woman named Elizabeth Wilkinson. While the story wasn’t exactly true, there were elements and pieces that were true. I found this fascinating. Cay does a wonderful job explaining what was true and false at the end of the book.
I also loved Os, the blacksmith. It showed some aspects of life during this time as a person of color, so that was really fascinating. And the chemistry between Os and Bess is natural and compelling.
I picked out several more quotes than I usually do in my reviews, but that’s just because Cay is a fantastic writer with many, poetic moments.
Quotes:
Even when all else belonged to another, the money in his pocket, the sweat on his back, his word was his own.
We don’t get to choose where we start in life, only where we end up.
She was exhaustion, she was technique, she was the cold survivor of a lifetime ruled by violence.
If a man never tried anything new, a man might never experience anything better.
I can’t recommend this book enough! This story was awesome and very engaging. I’m excited to see more of what Cay has to offer. Read it if you enjoy historical romances.
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
April 3, 2021
Book Review: Blaze of Glory
By Elizabeth Suggs
Blaze of Glory by Ryan Krol is an epic western adventure with never a dull moment.
This was a fun story, taking me back in time to the old west and the rush for gold. We follow Jimmy Buckman’s path from California to Utah to find lost treasure and battle adversaries.
Krol’s writing style is fun and upbeat. We’re introduced to this right at the beginning with him telling us, the readers, that he won’t be explaining what “Blaze of Glory” means, so we’ll have to search it out ourselves (Blaze of Glory: you do something very dramatic at the end of your career or your life which makes you famous). And that was just the introduction! Once I really got into the meat of the book, I couldn’t turn away from the story. There are twists, turns, and three-dimensional characters. I thought Krol was fun and adventurous, and I’m excited to see what else he has to offer.
Read this if you enjoy Westerns!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
March 30, 2021
Book Review: Dhi's Parable Of Divine Transformation
Dhi's Parable Of Divine Transformation by Saudamini Mishra is a collection of thirteen stories inspired by real women and their lives.
The word dhi has several meanings in Sanskrit, but most notable to the plot are understand or intellect. This entire collection is about understanding the world, figuring things out, and having the women’s experiences unfold throughout the book.
Mishra is a strong writer who creates compelling narratives. I found myself being drawn to these tales, and I loved the accompanying pictures. My favorite thing is that these stories are more than just entertainment; they fold back the curtain of our lives and show how situations can change us for better or worse.
As an American, I enjoyed gaining insight into the Indian culture. Sometimes, I could relate to the decisions they made, but other times it was difficult for me to understand why certain life choices were made. For instance, one woman decided to give up law school after marrying, and for me, that felt totally alien. Why not do both? But this, of course, is a difference, not just in attitude, but in society and individual choice. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer to this.
My favorite quotes:
It was as though they were being fed just enough to keep them alive, for death would be an instant relief.
She didn’t want to be anything, not a sister, not an eccentric, not a woman, but only a traveler for a day and a night.
Read this if you love learning about the lives of real women!
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
March 29, 2021
Book Review: Fatherland
By Elizabeth Suggs
Fatherland by Ginevra Mancinelli is a fantasy novel about vengeance, pain, love, glory, and so much more.
I really enjoyed this book not only for the great descriptions and writing, but also the Games of Thrones-y vibe, what with some of the gore, wording, and politics, but Fatherland is very much it’s own story with it’s own unique universe and tale.
And while this book is pretty large, it isn’t long-winded or boring. Never once did I hope it would end soon because I was so engrossed with the plot and the characters. Mancinelli has some awesome descriptions and three-dimensional characters. Even the less important characters were well-crafted.
Fun quote:
Fran wasn’t as good as him and a terrible friend to horses.
I’m excited to see what else Mancinelli has to offer. Read this book if you love fantasy political stories!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
March 26, 2021
Book Review: American Monsters
By Elizabeth Suggs
American Monsters: Part 2 is a multi-author horror anthology. Each story offers a unique take on different North American (Canada, US, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands) folklore, myths, and legends about monsters from the region.
Part 2 is the sixth of this monster series, and after reading this book, I want to go back and read the others! Because while I didn’t love every story, the stories I did enjoy shined out bright and unforgettable.
Can I also add that I’m in love with the illustrations and the formatting? The formatting is professional, the style is awesome. If I had a coffee table, this would go on top.
My favorite stories were “It’ll be Fine” by Kelly Sandoval, “On Desire and its Cure” by Pepe Rojo, “What Happened to Mrs. Eleonora Valdemar” by Carmelo Rafala, and “Lay of the Land, Law of the Land” by Pedro Caibya.
“It’ll be Fine” by Kelly Sandoval. There’s interpersonal drama and crows who join our main character, Kate, for breakfast. Kate is an easily identifiable character. It’s a great read.
“What Happened to Mrs. Eleonora Valdemar” by Carmelo Rafala. I fell into this story of letters easily. It was well-written, the character was well-thought-out, and the twists were unexpected!
Then there’s “On Desire and its Cure” by Pepe Rojo. At first, I was a little lost with what was going on, and while the story is horrific and disturbing, I like it in a messed up sort of way.
And last but not least, “Lay of the land, Law of the Land” by Pedro Caibya. I really enjoyed the writing in this one. It felt very personal.
Great Quotes:
He had to be extra careful with the water, so that he didn’t wash any of himself away. - “Return to Pleasure Island”
They were distantly, unclearly related, like all people in small mountain towns are distantly and unclearly related, sharing, most of them, an unfaithful tátarabuelo or two. - “Lay of the Land, Law of the Land”
She would no more talk to me than you would come home to be with your wife - “What Happened to Mrs. Eleonora Valdemar”
This is a great anthology for any who enjoys disturbing and sometimes abstract horror!
Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com
