A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 59

Awaken by G. R. Thomas

Instagrammer, G. R. Thomas is the author of this urban, dystopian fantasy.  Awaken is about a young woman who finds out she's not just a gal in the world, but a woman with a people that need saving.  

SOME PEOPLE AREN'T DESTINED TO BE ORDINARY. With a special gift held close to her heart, it was always going to be hard for Sophia Woodville to live an ordinary life. As a 20 year old nursing grad, she thought she had her future all sorted. However, destiny was about to intervene. Her secret was not so secret. The gift she possessed was just a hint of something far beyond her wildest imagination. Sophia will be pulled, kicking and screaming, into an unseen, ancient world that challenges all that she thought to be true of herself, her family and the origins of humanity. Original sin, forbidden love and her life in constant danger. Will Sophia survive this dark twist of fate? Will the devil be her saviour? Will an Angel be her downfall?
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     This story is complex to follow, but we're talking about someone's destiny, right?  I love female heroes because they're strong and even when faced with the worst in themselves, they can stand against it all.  For me, the story was a bit fairytale-ish.  Things happened a bit fast and in a way I thought stole from the focus, but it worked.  After all, this is YA, right?  That's how the world of young adults works!  
    I like the cover for the story, but while reading, I tend to look back at the cover for recognition and some relatability.  This cover, though it looks gorgeous, I can't say I'd have grabbed it from the bookshelf.  It doesn't tell the story, you know?

     When it came to the story, in world creating, you have to be able to bring foreign information into a sort of relatability- especially when it comes to things like other-worldly land, water, trees, etc. I found it a tqad bit troublesome to see into Thomas' world because she briefly pushed past those differentiating details.  Things that are the norm but off from this world were described, but not enough.  I felt a little off during those parts, trying to see what she was seeing.  I've got an awesome imagination, but I'm also one of those gals who needs to see it all if it's foreign.  The story itself was pretty good and I found myself turning page after page, wondering what would happen next.  Though slightly expected, the story still took me on a fun ride!

     I appreciate that Awaken's a new adult novel, not YA.  Not that I don't love YA, but I believe the story was a change of pace for me.  The adventure was fantasy breaking through, into a the real one. It carried a magical theme, with biblical and historical references as well, that gave an "Ah-ha" from time to time.  Not to mention angels, demons and lots and lots of magic!  It allowed a grown-up like me to enjoy the real world with a huge blend of the imaginary.  

     Awaken is cool; grab yourself a copy while I move on to the next read!

Calvin Demmer's: Hungry Ghosts and Labor Day Hunt (short stories)

     I do not remember how this author found me, but I am happy he did.  His stories are like food for my ever-craving soul.  I've got two short stories to share today. Hungry Ghosts
     A guy and his gal go abroad, to China, during a strange celebration.  While traveling, they take a walk along a path that leads to their undoing.  Can they survive the celebration?  Can they survive who's doing the  celebrating?   Labor Day Hunt
     What do you do when you need money to care for your family?  You accept any job you can get!  Unfortunately for Jared, his latest job may be the one that does him in!  Will this job suck the life out of him or will he be able to properly care for his beloved aunt? ***       I adore horror short stories; you all know this.  But what I love more than anything is when someone finds me and shares some really good ones.  Both of these were written well, and kept me reading- hungry for more even!   Hungry Ghosts was different and original.  It took me to China- a place I've never been interested in visiting, and now I may never go!  Labor Day Hunt was pretty cool, because though there was a tragic ending, someone was saved.  I can't tell who, because that would be offering up SPOILERS!  and you know I don't do that!  Ha-ha!  But if you enjoy the paranormal, you will enjoy these two stories.

     Check out Calvin Demmer.  He's on Goodreads.com; add these shorts to your TBR.  I promise, you will like them.  Cheers!

What Remains by A. Lawrence Haskins

   Because this story is a trilogy, I am not surprised that I walked away from this read a bit confused.  It begins with an interview of very unstable prisoner. Then it moves to a grisley murder before he's forever put to sleep by the justice system.  Then a woman spots a man, her ex, thought dead for years in a karaoke club in New Orleans, with her current husband- just to discover her daughter (also thought dead) is living too!  This woman was a detective on the case of the unstable prisoner, mentioned in th first part of this blurb.  THEN, an ex-FBI agent is pulled into a trap, lured by the man who may have gotten everything started with the deranged prisoner, also mentioned first!  OMGOodness- your head will spin!  It's all a loop, intertwined and forming into something big.

BUT...

     It's all good if you hold tight and wait for the next release.  No matter how fractured the read may feel concerning the characters, there's a tie that binds them.  The writing is excellent and once you begin, you won't stop until the ending is told.  I can't figure any of it out- the author of What Remains , A. Lawrence Haskins, knows what he's doing.  Though I've never desired to write something so reticent, Haskins is an artful author that I'd love to emulate. 

     The story is segmented but with invisible webbing that will eventually bring each piece together in a tale, I believe will be incredibly wicked!

Fair to Hope by Sam Reed

     Here's an amazing story that tricked me!  For some reason I thought it would be something totally different than it actually was!  I am proud to say, I was pleasantly pleased to be proven wrong.  Mark that on your calendars; I don't admit that very often!      When I first received the book, I thought I'd be reading another street fictional tale of abuse, drugs and maybe prostitution.  I'm thrilled I was wrong.    This book was fantasy and I could tell Reed worked hard on bringing the story to life.  Velma was an amazing character who wasn't sure who she was.  She felt accepted when she became part of a group called the Taram.  It wasn't till they flipped the script that she realized she was supposedly fated for something horrific- something she wasn't sure she could handle...  so she ran away.  

     This story was deep, thanks to great character development.  I felt Velma was written to be a strong young lady with a lot to deal with.  She questioned and made mistakes but that's what a character's growth is all about, yeah?  It made her real and I enjoyed reading her.  I did find a  difficulty...

     I had a hard time seeing the world I was trying to immerse myself.  The characters were wonderful but the world building was slightly unfinished.  It didn't hurt the story but because I couldn't see everything the way I know Reed was, I felt more like an observer than a participant.  That's not too bad though.  I can also say that someone VERY important is missing througout most of the tale.  I won't say who that is due to SPOILERS , but I was curious as to why they waiting so long.  Other than that, I truly enjoyed this story and I think any reader who picks this book up will too!  Check out Fair to Hope by the talented Sam Reed, while I move on to the next read! (HEY- I made a funny!)
        Hopefully one of those reads will include another Sam Reed novel.
Ratings: 4 out of 5 specs
*What Remains is next.
**Book is by Sam Reed, North Loop Books.

Why Me? by Julie Parker

     Don't you just love it when a children's book comes along with a strong message?  I rarely receive them, so I  celebrated when this one was placed in my hands.  I met the author of Why Me?  Julie Parker, at a meeting and we hit it off.  She's the sweetest gal and last Friday, we spent about three or more hours working on her second book!  When she found out I reviewed books, she asked if I'd read hers.  My reply was something like:    "Heck yeah!"      Why Me?  is about acceptance of self and others.  Of what, who and why we are the way we are and how that's okay.  It shows children in different life situations that are relatable, regardless of age, and asks, "Why Me?  Why am am I like this?"  We've all done it- regardless of  who we are.  What this book does is hows the reader it doesn't matter.  The book focuses on something much more important...

Taking that negative feeling and transforming it into a STRENGTH!

     It's written in a  sweet and simple form, allowing for easy reading- especially for my 7 year old Ewok.  She read the book while my grandson and I followed along.  I'm one of those Nanna's who rewards when read to.  :)        Anyway, you have to take a peek at at this lovely story.  The illustrations are bright, yet soft on the eyes.  The children encourage you and the book collects proceeds that go to a pediatric speciality hospital: Ranken Jordan.  Do yourself and others a favor and get this book!  On to the next read

Icarus Swinebuckle by Michael Garland

     What do you get when you combine dreams, flying and a determined pig?   Icarus Swinebuckle by Michael Garland!

     This story is adorable, mainly because of the rich illustrations- all done by Michael Garland, the author!  The pictures are finely detailed and so alive, you can almost feel the pig's hairs on his pink skin!  

​     The story's about an irresponsible pig and father, Icarus.  He's a cobbler, but he's so busy imagining himself flying about in the clouds, he's disappointing his customers and late on his rent... again!  But does that stop Icarus from following his dream: finding a way to fly like  a bird?  Not one bit!  He uses a few items to create wings and before you know it- he's doing something crazy and everyone in his London town is there to witness it.  I can't tell you what happens but it's a great children's tale!  My Ewoks and I loved it.

​     Check out this beautiful children's book about dreams and how, if you stay determined, you can do ANYTHING!  I'm on to the next book.

Vulcana: Rebirth of the Champion by Brian K. Morris

     I am so happy to finally get this book review out!  Vulcana: Rebirth of the Champion was written by a great guy- someone I call friend.  Brian K. Morris is a man who knows his heroes, how to develop a hero and make you smile the entire read!  

     I met Morris via a Superman group I follow.  I also see him annually at the Superman Celebration that's held annually in Metropolis, IL.  He's an awesome writer, supportive and a giver of excellent advice.  When I finally got to meet him at Artist's Alley (a spot for comics, artists and authors), I grabbed his book- he even signed it for me.  He's awesome but so is this book.

     Vulcana: Rebirth of the Champion is exactly what the title states.  A hero(ine) is made.  Her name is Angelique Forge.  She's an average gal with a blog that helps her get by.  It's not till she meets up with an old college friend that things take a turn for the absolute worst.  She's killed!        Morris created an adventure based upon deities of a few beliefs, like Christianity and Greek Mythology.  It's a story, unlike most, due to the gods dying and needing a hero themselves!  For once, someone from the mere mortal world, one they'd observed, was nearby to help do what they could not- save the world!

     Angelique proved to be a believable heroine, with ideals and actions that made you proud to be  going through the challenges with her.  She was likable and didn't behave irrationally; she came off as the perfect imperfect gal for the job.   AND because she was ex-military, she had skills- precise skills needed to get things done.  She came off like a spicy, strawberry sponged cake dessert, if you can imagine.  She's strong, rational, witty, sweet and an all-around person you'd want saving your life.  The dialogue and description were smooth and realistic (for fiction), allowing the book to flow and hold my interest from beginning to end.

      This book is a good read- grab yourself a copy of Vulcana: Rebirth of the Champion.  It's about 436-pages of pure awesomeness!  On to my next read!

Lucy The Hiking Bunny by James Livingood

     In this leg of Lucy's journey (Lucy is a series of children's books), she's interested in going hiking with her friend, One, but he's got other plans.  Instead One sends Lucy hiking with Kodo, a friendly dog.  Together they set off- OOPS!  without a map...   It's up to them to find their way while taking time to enjoy their journey.  

      James Livingood is an excellent children's book author.  His illustrations are tranquil and soft on the eyes, allowing you to not just appreciate the events, but to gently fall into them.  The images of the field, lake and waterfalls were perfect for bedtime reading with the little ones.  The story was simple enough for beginning readers but carried a message for children as old as maybe eight.  It's one of those books that reminds one to not be concerned with only the destination, but to treasure the journey.
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     My Ewoks and I liked all of Livingood's kiddie books so far.  On to my next read! 

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

     I fought for this book for months!  Literally entering and re-entering giveaways and ARC contests.  When I finally got it- it was almost a joke, but I won't go into that.  Just know I wanted it and I got it.  And I got exactly what I was looking for: a mind-blowing, insane ride!  This book will literally make you forget your life!  LOL      I actually read this book in a day!  I jumped into it and I was rewarded with near non-stop thrill.  At first I thought I would get tired of it, because it seemed Jason wouldn't get anywhere near home- it was like the series Quantum Leap (but not), if you're familiar with the tv show.  I kept thinking: When is he going to get back to her?!  But I held on and I was happily rewarded!

     Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch, is a true leap into... time?  Dimensions?  Man- it was unreal!  Jason is a scientist on a mission, but nothing matters more than his wife and son.  But when he's kidnapped and injected with a needle of... whatever, his entire world is shifted and looped or copied, or SOMETHING!

     The story literally takes you on a life-ride and that's what makes it so fantastic!  It's one of those stories, where upon completion, you almost feel exhausted.  The story is about a man who needs to get back to his wife, to his life, but there's a problem- he already has!  And I can't tell you how this statement rings true because it would throw out so many SPOILERS and you know I don't do that!  All I can really say is, the book is a trip.  I couldn't get enough of the story and will definitely add more Crouch to my library.  You have to check this book out.  I promise, you will LOVE it!  

The Keeper of the Crows by Kyle Alexander Romines

     There are some spooky books and some that are just haunting.  This book is a unification of both.  The sweet taste of fear and nightmare all in The Keeper of the Crows, by Kyle Alexander Romines.

     What would you do if you spotted a scarecrow lurking in your backyard?  That's what was happening to people in the town of Grey Hollow, Kentucky.  Resolution was  up to Thomas, a nosy reporter with a past and Jezebel, the local law enforcement.  While bodies piled up and the sky grew darker, the crows flew and they  weren't looking for carrion...       The book was unbelievably good.  It was a debut novel and totally on top!   Filled with a ton of mystery, humor and supernatural deaths, I coudln't get enough of Keeper of the Crows.  I don't know what I'd have done if I'd spotted a walking scarecrow in my backyard, or near my barn, but these guys did! 

     The story was about cruelty and folks thinking they 'Got Away With It'.  Something gotten rid of decades ago decided to make a return to Grey Hollow.  The sheriff, Jezebel, was familiar but wasn't sure if she could believe what was going on.  A down on his luck reporter, Thomas, saw the facts and put them together but was pretty much left in shock as well, but together, they worked hard on finding those involved and saving townfolk.  The evil that had come to the country town wasn't taking no for an answer and it killed anyone that got in its way, guilty or not.

     The book carried a country feel that never allowed you to feel welcomed, due to a huge secret cover-up people in high places had forgotten, so the story felt angry and vengeful from the start.  Sadly, it's also a tale of innocence lost.  When you figure out what's going on, and if you're paying attention you will, you feel bad and  wonder how things will play out. You almost want the evil to win!

​     Keeper of the Crows was fantastic.  I think I'll purposefully seek out a few more titles by Romines. If his other books are anything like this one; nothing but hardcovers from here on out!  I'm on to the next book!