P.L. Jonas's Blog, page 4
April 2, 2023
Book Review: "The Algorithm Will See You Now" by JL Lycette
An eerily possible sci-fi novel and a must read --
The title of this book immediately drew me in thinking about how an AI algorithm could take over in the diagnostics of healthcare. I certainly hope this never happens, but The Algorithm Will See You Now presents a believable scenario.
The main character, Hope, is motivated in her career by the loss of her mother years before. A staunch advocate for the algorithm, she is faced with issues regarding its validity. And rightly so, as the pulse of the story moves along steadily reaching a tension-filled climax.
However, in the resolution stage of the book, I found myself skipping over long passages of repetitive content I felt was thoroughly covered earlier in the book and wasn’t really needed. It slowed the pacing for me.
But overall, the book is exceptionally well-researched, as the author is a physician and draws from her personal experience to make the healthcare experience very real. I particularly appreciated the Author’s notes regarding her inspiration for the story and how much of a potential reality it could become, if not closely monitored.
If you like medical suspense stories and nearly real sci-fi, you will love this book!
Published by Black Rose Writing
,Get Paperback Now! from my Bookshop.org page to support local bookstores in your area!
March 13, 2023
Interview on "What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing?
What a treat it was to meet and be interviewed by Karen E. Osborne about my books "Our Eternal Souls" and "Hall of Deception". I hope you enjoy this.
https://youtu.be/daJZciixGJsMarch 8, 2023
Book Review/Recommendation: Tropical Depression
Tropical Depression is an immersive triumphant family saga blending cultural diversity, familial tension and the power of love, bringing tears of joy and sadness to a shocking climax. Ten Stars!It is by far one of the best books I’ve read in years. Patti Liszkay’s amazing writing quickly immersed me into the story, placing me smack dab into the Nicaraguan foothills of three active volcanos where the main characters, Ascension and Lupe’s large family lives and works.Tropical Depression is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you breathless, make you cry, and make you cheer for the underdog and be ever so grateful for their ultimate happiness.(no spoilers) But I was caught up in the crisis at the climax of the story so much that I just couldn’t stop reading…until 3am and my eyes were bleary.This is the third installment to Liszkay’s The Equal and Opposite Reactions Trilogy. I haven’t read the first two books, but I plan to.
Get Book Here! Pre-sales Now - full release April 27, 2023
March 7, 2023
Book Giveaways
My Goodreads Giveaway for 5 print books of Our Eternal Souls, ended successfully on March 4 and the five books shipped to the lucky winners.
If you missed it, my publisher, Sands Press, is running another Goodreads Giveaway for 100 eBooks of Our Eternal Souls, March 6 - March 20th. Go Now to Goodreads and enter. If you don't have a Goodreads account, you can register for FREE too.
February 28, 2023
Book Review/Recommendation: Daughter of the Shadows by Kerry Chaput
Daughter of the Shadows is the 2nd book in the Defying the Crown series by Kerry Chaput
I have not read the first book Daughter of the King, but I was able to read and enjoy this second installment as a stand-alone.
Daughter of the Shadows starts out in New France, Quebec, and brings together several strong women characters, the main character Isabelle, a Huguenot turned Catholic (but only to save her fellow Protestants), Naira, a strong female Huron warrior who helps Isabelle find her true and strong self, and Charlotte, another Huguenot who arrives in New France as a converted Catholic, but still a protestant in her heart and vies to take revenge on those who hurt her and her family back in France, the same as Isabelle. These women interact with several deeply troubled men who struggle with the strong-willed Isabelle and Charlotte.
Though this historical fiction is based on true events in 1667, it is written like a fast-paced adventure story. The world-building is somewhat lacking, so I didn’t feel completely emersed in the locales (for which I gave the book 4 stars). That said, the richly developed characters and the emotion-filled plot carried me through to the end in a page-turning end. I particularly liked that the story carried me to Paris, France for half of the book, into the palace of King Louis IV, and also through the streets of the city's darker side.
I recommend this easy-to-read, exciting peek into the past of a part of history I knew little about.
Upcoming Interview
Today I was interviewed by Karen E. Osborne, author and book blogger, about my novel "Our Eternal Souls: A Forever Love Story." It will go live on YouTube and her website March 14. Watch for links here and on my social media!
February 22, 2023
Book Review: Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1) by Mary Robinette Kowa
This Jane Austen-inspired novel of romance in the Regency period is a unique take on magic called glamour. It is the first book in a series, first published in 2010. I could relate to the glamour process and see it as an extension of fine art in 3-D. Other reviewers did not understand how important the glamour is to this story. I get it and found it quite enjoyable.
It took quite a while for the story to really kick in, around pg. 150, but once it did, I was thoroughly engaged and invested in the characters. Well-written and vividly described, I was drawn into the time period and the scenes came alive. Some of the characters reminded me of those from different Austen stories, which I liked. Kowal nailed the dialog and the social aspects of the time period as well, and in a similar style to Austen.
I recommend it to those who appreciate fine art and who enjoy Jane Austen books (or in my case the films).
I received the book as a Christmas gift and I look forward to reading more by this author!
4 Stars
Genres: Fantasy, Regency Romance, Historical Fantasy, Magic
Support local bookstores by buying this book here: Get Book
February 7, 2023
In love with Stephanie Garber's book "Once Upon a Broken Heart"
I gave this book to a friend for Christmas knowing she would like it and she did. And as we do many times, she loaned it back to me so I could read it. I could not get enough of Jacks and Evangeline!! The fascinating characters and unique story moved at a quick pace keeping me thoroughly engaged. I haven’t read a book so fast in years. The world-building was delightful and the detailed descriptions of the creative fashions reminded me somewhat of the Capital scenes in the film Hunger Games. I knew this was the first book in a trilogy but was sad the book ended on a cliffhanger.
Absolutely enjoyed this read and I definitely want to read the next book.
Young adult bordering on adult. Slow burn exciting but clean.
Fantasy Romance
Support brick and mortar bookstores by buying from bookshop.org
February 3, 2023
February 2, 2023
Book Review: "Bitter Magic" An Amazing Read!
"Bitter Magic" by Nancy KilgorePublished 2021
Genres: Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Paranormal fiction
I found this book on the publisher's website and bought it right off. I regret I took so long to start it for the story of Isobel Gowdie sounded so interesting to me. Despite a slow beginning, once I reached the first chapter in Isobel's POV, I was hooked.
Nancy Kilgore has channeled Isobel wonderfully, showing the reader her innermost thoughts and visions, making it believable. The descriptions of her experiences with the fairies and the devil were detailed and exciting.
I did sometimes wish she had put more effort in the world building of the non-Isobel scenes to help me feel more in the 1665 time period. But I still kept reading anxious to turn the page to see what would happen next.
I've read about the real Isobel Gowdie and some of her actual confession before reading the book. I appreciate Kilgore's keeping with the facts and her ability to create a fully realized world around Isobel's life.
Excellent read. Highly recommend.
