A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 7
June 3, 2019
Alex Races Against the Dawn
The Vampyir Plague, book 2
by Darlene Burns
This is my second read by Darlene Burns and I have to say that Alex Races Against the Dawn, the Vampyir Plague, Book 2, was unique. She didn't shy from what many would have considered taboo, her characters were racy, and bold and the women were filled with strength. Burns puts everything into Alex and the many characters as they deal with something no vamp ever wishes to face.
Extinction.
This is Alex Races Against the Dawn. #element-415695c7-a927-4504-bf02-50059b976c6e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Alex Races Against the Dawn is the follow up to Burn's first novel, Midnight Comes with the Dawn . Instead of Midnight being the main attraction, it's more like she's the object of attraction. Alex (Alexis) was sired by Midnight, but she's more than just a progeny- she's in love with her maker. This is more than abnormal for this world of vampyirs, because they normally do not form such connections. Yes, there's one there, but Alex has reached, climbed and overcome the obstacle of lines being crossed. This blinds her judgment from time to time, and terribly unnecessary during the story's dire times. Something explosive has hit their town, the world!
A pandemic of deaths has traveled across the globe. Both human and vampyir alike are dying form some sort of virus. Where did it come from and how is it, the majority of humans across the planet, are affected? The plague causes victims to spontaneously combust, or melt when they're breeds come into contact with one another. It's a killer of the worst kind, leaving blood and burning bodies in its wake. But it didn't come about naturally...
With Midnight visiting "The Family" in Europe and handling business, Alex is left to organize an investigation. Can she focus long enough to get things done, or will she lose all control and take down the world, in her wanting for someone she desires more than anything else? Maybe even living.
Alex Races Against the Dawn is a decent follow up to the first novel. The story is a bit disjointed, but it helped that I was given an in-depth look into Alex's background and why she is the way she is. Her need for connection is greater, due to her past. A past long spotted with loss, hatred and anger. She's sorta needy, crushing her outer appearance of a strong and dangerous vamp, but the world can't see her that way- she's pretty much the boss's right hand.
Her development was cool and I really liked the novel. My only negative? I found it difficult to navigate, at times, due to more than a few typos/errors. Something I do not remember finding in the first book. I think that once this gets cleaned up, this book could take the LGBT community to some seriously new heights. Especially with such strong characters at the forefront of such a thrilling story.
Check out The Vampyir Plague series, by Darlene Burns. Alex Races Against the Dawn is book 2 in the series and available on Amazon. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Alex Races Against the Dawn:
The Vampyir Plague, Book 2
Written by Darlene Burns
Released March 2019
Published through Amazon Digital Services
248-pages
by Darlene Burns
This is my second read by Darlene Burns and I have to say that Alex Races Against the Dawn, the Vampyir Plague, Book 2, was unique. She didn't shy from what many would have considered taboo, her characters were racy, and bold and the women were filled with strength. Burns puts everything into Alex and the many characters as they deal with something no vamp ever wishes to face. Extinction.
This is Alex Races Against the Dawn. #element-415695c7-a927-4504-bf02-50059b976c6e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Alex Races Against the Dawn is the follow up to Burn's first novel, Midnight Comes with the Dawn . Instead of Midnight being the main attraction, it's more like she's the object of attraction. Alex (Alexis) was sired by Midnight, but she's more than just a progeny- she's in love with her maker. This is more than abnormal for this world of vampyirs, because they normally do not form such connections. Yes, there's one there, but Alex has reached, climbed and overcome the obstacle of lines being crossed. This blinds her judgment from time to time, and terribly unnecessary during the story's dire times. Something explosive has hit their town, the world!
A pandemic of deaths has traveled across the globe. Both human and vampyir alike are dying form some sort of virus. Where did it come from and how is it, the majority of humans across the planet, are affected? The plague causes victims to spontaneously combust, or melt when they're breeds come into contact with one another. It's a killer of the worst kind, leaving blood and burning bodies in its wake. But it didn't come about naturally...
With Midnight visiting "The Family" in Europe and handling business, Alex is left to organize an investigation. Can she focus long enough to get things done, or will she lose all control and take down the world, in her wanting for someone she desires more than anything else? Maybe even living.
Alex Races Against the Dawn is a decent follow up to the first novel. The story is a bit disjointed, but it helped that I was given an in-depth look into Alex's background and why she is the way she is. Her need for connection is greater, due to her past. A past long spotted with loss, hatred and anger. She's sorta needy, crushing her outer appearance of a strong and dangerous vamp, but the world can't see her that way- she's pretty much the boss's right hand.
Her development was cool and I really liked the novel. My only negative? I found it difficult to navigate, at times, due to more than a few typos/errors. Something I do not remember finding in the first book. I think that once this gets cleaned up, this book could take the LGBT community to some seriously new heights. Especially with such strong characters at the forefront of such a thrilling story.
Check out The Vampyir Plague series, by Darlene Burns. Alex Races Against the Dawn is book 2 in the series and available on Amazon. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Alex Races Against the Dawn:
The Vampyir Plague, Book 2
Written by Darlene Burns
Released March 2019
Published through Amazon Digital Services
248-pages
May 29, 2019
Hell Divers V: Captives
Audiobook series by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Oh how I've waited for this installment! I honestly believe this is the greatest series Nicholas Sansbury-Smith has ever written and feel it could go on forever! Hell Divers V: Captives is the absolute BEST!
"We dive so humanity survives."
#element-58f97d71-5dbb-4bb2-9952-cdb5d2969637 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
In the fifth book of the Hell Diver series, everything begins where IV ended. On the Metal Islands X, his loyal dog Miles, and Mags (Magnolia) and a few others, are captured by the bloodthirsty Cazadores. It's difficult to deal, because they treasure life, in the sky. Down below, with the hunters, they're animalistic. They enjoy inflicting pain and El Pulpo, the king, enjoys converting prisoners, like Xavier, with said pain. He especially wants X because he's known as "The One Who Can Not Die." The Immortal.
In the sky, they're going to have to land soon, and majority of the population doesn't know of the tribe living on the island viewed as 'paradise'. After discovering X has been captured, humanity has decided to go down and fight for their friends and the land they need in order to survive. Unfortunately, descending from the sky means an all-out war. For people who cherish life and celebrate, this is incomprehensible, yet must be done. Will they be able to combat a tribe that only knows blood, flesh and battle?
As with the previous books, Hell Divers V: Captives is above and beyond excellence. I don't know how my favorite authors manage to write stories where there's absolutely no lag, all action. How do they do that? Captives is one of those stories where you listen and you're as exhausted as the characters are. I remember being in the bathtub, soaking & listening to the audiobook, when one scene from the epic battle went the way I wanted. I yelled out, "Yeah!" Water went everywhere and my dog, Magnus, ran out, but it was so good!
For Mother's Day, I received my hardcover copy of Captives, from my boys, keeping my library up to date... for now. Mr. Sansbury-Smith posted on my FB page that the story is not over, so I'll be anxiously waiting for the next adventure. While I wait, why don't you get yourself an ebook copy, paperback, hardcover or listen to it, narrated by the awesome R. C. Bray- but don't cheat yourself; start with book one of the series. You will love it. I promise. I'm not kidding when I say it's all so intense, you can't help but hunger for every morsel until you find yourself in a vice of depressing shock as the book's suddenly done!
Below is my book video for social media and the Youtube book video. Peep them while I take off, to my next read. Cheers! #wsite-video-container-306755478968000341{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4750_793.jpg); } #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1559079973); } #wsite-video-container-306755478968000341, #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1559079973); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } Hell Divers V: Captives
of the Hell Divers series
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Released May 7th, 2019
Published by Blackstone Publishing
& Audible Studios
338-pages, Run time 9 h 50 min
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Oh how I've waited for this installment! I honestly believe this is the greatest series Nicholas Sansbury-Smith has ever written and feel it could go on forever! Hell Divers V: Captives is the absolute BEST! "We dive so humanity survives."
#element-58f97d71-5dbb-4bb2-9952-cdb5d2969637 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
In the fifth book of the Hell Diver series, everything begins where IV ended. On the Metal Islands X, his loyal dog Miles, and Mags (Magnolia) and a few others, are captured by the bloodthirsty Cazadores. It's difficult to deal, because they treasure life, in the sky. Down below, with the hunters, they're animalistic. They enjoy inflicting pain and El Pulpo, the king, enjoys converting prisoners, like Xavier, with said pain. He especially wants X because he's known as "The One Who Can Not Die." The Immortal.In the sky, they're going to have to land soon, and majority of the population doesn't know of the tribe living on the island viewed as 'paradise'. After discovering X has been captured, humanity has decided to go down and fight for their friends and the land they need in order to survive. Unfortunately, descending from the sky means an all-out war. For people who cherish life and celebrate, this is incomprehensible, yet must be done. Will they be able to combat a tribe that only knows blood, flesh and battle?
As with the previous books, Hell Divers V: Captives is above and beyond excellence. I don't know how my favorite authors manage to write stories where there's absolutely no lag, all action. How do they do that? Captives is one of those stories where you listen and you're as exhausted as the characters are. I remember being in the bathtub, soaking & listening to the audiobook, when one scene from the epic battle went the way I wanted. I yelled out, "Yeah!" Water went everywhere and my dog, Magnus, ran out, but it was so good!
For Mother's Day, I received my hardcover copy of Captives, from my boys, keeping my library up to date... for now. Mr. Sansbury-Smith posted on my FB page that the story is not over, so I'll be anxiously waiting for the next adventure. While I wait, why don't you get yourself an ebook copy, paperback, hardcover or listen to it, narrated by the awesome R. C. Bray- but don't cheat yourself; start with book one of the series. You will love it. I promise. I'm not kidding when I say it's all so intense, you can't help but hunger for every morsel until you find yourself in a vice of depressing shock as the book's suddenly done!
Below is my book video for social media and the Youtube book video. Peep them while I take off, to my next read. Cheers! #wsite-video-container-306755478968000341{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4750_793.jpg); } #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1559079973); } #wsite-video-container-306755478968000341, #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-306755478968000341{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1559079973); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } Hell Divers V: Captives
of the Hell Divers series
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Released May 7th, 2019
Published by Blackstone Publishing
& Audible Studios
338-pages, Run time 9 h 50 min
May 28, 2019
BrightBurn
A Superhero Horror Movie Review 
The Superman story has been tampered so many times in comics, graphic novels, tv and movies. From the Arrowverse, to him becoming the president of Earth, the one thing that's never changed was how people always saw him as the Boy in Blue. He stood for liberty, justice and the American way. Never mind the fact that he was god-like.
But Brightburn doesn't share those qualities. In this movie, The Gunns have decided to flip the script, sharing what it would be like if that Kryptonian child hadn't come to earth for asylum and to bring peace to all mankind. #element-06d4dc79-ea88-4095-984f-f7a443da96b4 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story is about a boy coming of age, into his powers and discovering what to do with them. Without spoilers, Brightburn takes on a new genre that blew me away: Superhero Horror. Flipping the Script, as I love to call it, but without the bamboozling. It was remarkable and I hope that everyone walks away from it as excited and thrilled to tell folks, as I was.
I went to the Thursday premier, then went back Friday morning with my husband. Both times, I caught myself with my hands over my mouth and shocked at a few parts. But instead of focusing on the characters and the storyline, I'm going to tell you what kept me clinging to the seat before me just as much. The Music!
I swear, if the Brown Note was playing on this soundtrack by Timothy Williams,I would not be surprised. I remained haunted, tensed the entire time, even after leaving! And this includes the beginning end credits and a rant from our boy Merle from The Walking Dead. LOL That's all you get from me, by the way. The music was heavy, brooding and almost monstor-riffic! Sometimes you simply need definition and that's what this soundtrack did. It defined what was happening, bringing the experience, if you're in an excellent theater, to this sort of maniacal, edge of your seat, thrill-fest!
Jackson A. Dunn, who plays Brandon, looks like the kid next door. The one bullies would view with a target on his back, and so the game begins. But Brandon's discoveries doesn't leave him in wonder, with a lesson from dad on how he's carrying a load of responsibility. Oh no, he's so much more and decides it's time to act.
As a superhero lover, you have to watch Brightburn, maybe even twice, as I did. Though I'd have loved if they'd gone a bit further, maybe even a tad more detail leading up to the big event, it could have been magnificent, but without a question, this movie rocks. The way it was executed, I was left wanting and hungry for more. Let's just hope there's no sequel, but make something new and original and phenomenal!
I'm off to the next review, I guess. Cheers! Brightburn
Written by Mark and Brian Gunn
Produced by James Gunn and Kenneth Huang
Directed by David yarovesky
Starred Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn, Matt Jones, Meredith Hagner
Music by Timothy Williams
The Superman story has been tampered so many times in comics, graphic novels, tv and movies. From the Arrowverse, to him becoming the president of Earth, the one thing that's never changed was how people always saw him as the Boy in Blue. He stood for liberty, justice and the American way. Never mind the fact that he was god-like. But Brightburn doesn't share those qualities. In this movie, The Gunns have decided to flip the script, sharing what it would be like if that Kryptonian child hadn't come to earth for asylum and to bring peace to all mankind. #element-06d4dc79-ea88-4095-984f-f7a443da96b4 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The story is about a boy coming of age, into his powers and discovering what to do with them. Without spoilers, Brightburn takes on a new genre that blew me away: Superhero Horror. Flipping the Script, as I love to call it, but without the bamboozling. It was remarkable and I hope that everyone walks away from it as excited and thrilled to tell folks, as I was. I went to the Thursday premier, then went back Friday morning with my husband. Both times, I caught myself with my hands over my mouth and shocked at a few parts. But instead of focusing on the characters and the storyline, I'm going to tell you what kept me clinging to the seat before me just as much. The Music!
I swear, if the Brown Note was playing on this soundtrack by Timothy Williams,I would not be surprised. I remained haunted, tensed the entire time, even after leaving! And this includes the beginning end credits and a rant from our boy Merle from The Walking Dead. LOL That's all you get from me, by the way. The music was heavy, brooding and almost monstor-riffic! Sometimes you simply need definition and that's what this soundtrack did. It defined what was happening, bringing the experience, if you're in an excellent theater, to this sort of maniacal, edge of your seat, thrill-fest!
Jackson A. Dunn, who plays Brandon, looks like the kid next door. The one bullies would view with a target on his back, and so the game begins. But Brandon's discoveries doesn't leave him in wonder, with a lesson from dad on how he's carrying a load of responsibility. Oh no, he's so much more and decides it's time to act.
As a superhero lover, you have to watch Brightburn, maybe even twice, as I did. Though I'd have loved if they'd gone a bit further, maybe even a tad more detail leading up to the big event, it could have been magnificent, but without a question, this movie rocks. The way it was executed, I was left wanting and hungry for more. Let's just hope there's no sequel, but make something new and original and phenomenal!
I'm off to the next review, I guess. Cheers! Brightburn
Written by Mark and Brian Gunn
Produced by James Gunn and Kenneth Huang
Directed by David yarovesky
Starred Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn, Matt Jones, Meredith Hagner
Music by Timothy Williams
We All Scream For Ice Cream
An eBook read by Lou Yardley 
I love short stories. Especially those that take me back to a time, nostalgic enough to return me to my childhood. Or close to it. Now, growing people I knew called the ice cream truck the "Bomb Pop Man." It didn’t matter if a man or woman drove the truck, if it sold ice cream, it was the "Bomb Pop Man." Never mind the fact that ice cream was never truly on the truck either, excluding ice cream sandwiches. Personally, I always got the orange Dreamcicles.
Anyway, We All Scream For Ice Cream, by Lou Yardley, is about children who also loved hearing the Pop Goes the Weasel tune on the wind, from a distance. Unfortunately, what’s in the truck actually makes the weasel go pop... #element-ac91435b-7092-4b50-854f-17d1a3546970 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Carter, Dale, Connie and Katelyn were friends who hung out during the summer break. They’d ride their bikes seeking adventure, like most kids, back in the day. But while across town, at the park, they discover an ice cream truck before heading home. They can’t go without sweets, right? So they venture to the truck, and find themselves trapped inside a nightmare so fantastical, no one would believe it, no matter how hard the children pleaded!
We All Scream For Ice Cream is one of those YA short reads that leaves you wondering what the heck just happened!? How’d this come to pass and did anyone truly survive? I liked it because it didn't make a great deal of sense, and it wasn’t supposed to. The story is a freaking nightmare! It read, to me like Stephen King’s The Raft. Have you read that one? Things happen in this story that are to simply creep, spook and frighten, without rhyme or reason. It just happens and that's that. That's the best part about short stories, there isn't always a beginning or an ending, though this one sorta did. Sorta.
We all Scream For Ice Cream didn't have me pacing the floor as I read, but I was definitely invested. It's funny how things take place, but the situations aren't humorous one bit. In a world where you can't tell if it's all going to wind up being a dream or truly happened, it was a wild, phantasmic ride. It's such a read for both young adult and grown alike. Just know that it’s a fast-paced, wild and creepy, and tough to get away from, like the Ice Cream Man.
Read and enjoy, friends, while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Lou Yardley
Published via Amazon Digital
eBook
52-pages
Released 2019
I love short stories. Especially those that take me back to a time, nostalgic enough to return me to my childhood. Or close to it. Now, growing people I knew called the ice cream truck the "Bomb Pop Man." It didn’t matter if a man or woman drove the truck, if it sold ice cream, it was the "Bomb Pop Man." Never mind the fact that ice cream was never truly on the truck either, excluding ice cream sandwiches. Personally, I always got the orange Dreamcicles. Anyway, We All Scream For Ice Cream, by Lou Yardley, is about children who also loved hearing the Pop Goes the Weasel tune on the wind, from a distance. Unfortunately, what’s in the truck actually makes the weasel go pop... #element-ac91435b-7092-4b50-854f-17d1a3546970 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Carter, Dale, Connie and Katelyn were friends who hung out during the summer break. They’d ride their bikes seeking adventure, like most kids, back in the day. But while across town, at the park, they discover an ice cream truck before heading home. They can’t go without sweets, right? So they venture to the truck, and find themselves trapped inside a nightmare so fantastical, no one would believe it, no matter how hard the children pleaded!We All Scream For Ice Cream is one of those YA short reads that leaves you wondering what the heck just happened!? How’d this come to pass and did anyone truly survive? I liked it because it didn't make a great deal of sense, and it wasn’t supposed to. The story is a freaking nightmare! It read, to me like Stephen King’s The Raft. Have you read that one? Things happen in this story that are to simply creep, spook and frighten, without rhyme or reason. It just happens and that's that. That's the best part about short stories, there isn't always a beginning or an ending, though this one sorta did. Sorta.
We all Scream For Ice Cream didn't have me pacing the floor as I read, but I was definitely invested. It's funny how things take place, but the situations aren't humorous one bit. In a world where you can't tell if it's all going to wind up being a dream or truly happened, it was a wild, phantasmic ride. It's such a read for both young adult and grown alike. Just know that it’s a fast-paced, wild and creepy, and tough to get away from, like the Ice Cream Man.
Read and enjoy, friends, while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
We All Scream For Ice Cream
Lou Yardley
Published via Amazon Digital
eBook
52-pages
Released 2019
May 26, 2019
Happy Memorial Day!
#element-0af49a0e-6110-455a-8ec0-214e19d402f4 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
In respect to those who served, as well as my own father (deceased), I don't post any reviews on this day. I spend time with family and cherish what they've done and how they loved not only their family but this country.Much Respect.
Happy Memorial Day!
May 22, 2019
Lumens, A Ghost Story
An audio-novel by Mary Jane Capps
narrated by Stephanie Quinn
Lumens, A Ghost Story is not my first rodeo with Mary Jane Capps. It’s actually my second, but who’s counting? When I saw this gorgeous cover on her Insta-thread, I knew it would be added to my list. It just so happened the audiobook was on sale, so I hopped on board.
When it comes to ghost stories, I love one that keeps me enthralled. I need to be haunted, even a bit frightened. So did Lumens live up [ha! ha! No pun intended] to the challenge? #element-3867751c-f270-4dcb-b3c9-4b51388c29fb .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Libby is a girl carrying a great deal of guilt. She’s lost someone close to her, she feels she’s been abandoned by her parents and she’s not forgiven herself. When things seem to be going their worst, she’s sent to stay with extended family to help with the family business.
She’s doing her best to rebuild her life, but it seems too heavy. Then when she sees an apparition atop the lighthouse, she feels she’s been marked. Could the ghost be her sister or the specter of a woman who, years ago, lost her love? Soon a mystery develops, leaving Libby and the town more than curious. But can she juggle the investigation with those she knows or will her own personal ire and grief tear everything down everything a fifteen year old girl needs to grow up?
Lumens, A Ghost Story, is very fast-paced. It’s a young adult read where a parallel develops between Libby and the long dead Elizabeth, explaining how people easily dissipate when they’re lost in tragedy. It's also about forgiveness, not just for others, but for self. Lumens share the importance of communication- the entire book is about not telling something that should have been shared, without being forced or condemnation/criticism. I hope that's what she meant to give because that's what I took from it all.
I appreciated the story; what tripped me up was the narrator. Stephanie Quinn had the right voice, but her speed was speedy. I found myself slowing down the speed in the Audible app to make sure my ears weren't playing with me. It still ran fast to me, bringing me not like her as a storyteller. That was my only gripe.
And check out the book cover- isn’t is absolutely gorgeous? I’ve always loved lighthouses, so this just made my day. Her covers are always magical, and more than HD. It's like you can reach in and actually feel what's there. Okay, so check out a copy of Lumens, A Ghost Story and see if you enjoy the tale. I'm moving on to the next read.
Cheers!
Lumens, A Ghost Story
Written by Mary Jane Capps
Narrated by Stephanie Quinn
An Audible Recording
Book publisher: By the Light of The Moon Press
153-pages
narrated by Stephanie Quinn
Lumens, A Ghost Story is not my first rodeo with Mary Jane Capps. It’s actually my second, but who’s counting? When I saw this gorgeous cover on her Insta-thread, I knew it would be added to my list. It just so happened the audiobook was on sale, so I hopped on board. When it comes to ghost stories, I love one that keeps me enthralled. I need to be haunted, even a bit frightened. So did Lumens live up [ha! ha! No pun intended] to the challenge? #element-3867751c-f270-4dcb-b3c9-4b51388c29fb .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Libby is a girl carrying a great deal of guilt. She’s lost someone close to her, she feels she’s been abandoned by her parents and she’s not forgiven herself. When things seem to be going their worst, she’s sent to stay with extended family to help with the family business. She’s doing her best to rebuild her life, but it seems too heavy. Then when she sees an apparition atop the lighthouse, she feels she’s been marked. Could the ghost be her sister or the specter of a woman who, years ago, lost her love? Soon a mystery develops, leaving Libby and the town more than curious. But can she juggle the investigation with those she knows or will her own personal ire and grief tear everything down everything a fifteen year old girl needs to grow up?
Lumens, A Ghost Story, is very fast-paced. It’s a young adult read where a parallel develops between Libby and the long dead Elizabeth, explaining how people easily dissipate when they’re lost in tragedy. It's also about forgiveness, not just for others, but for self. Lumens share the importance of communication- the entire book is about not telling something that should have been shared, without being forced or condemnation/criticism. I hope that's what she meant to give because that's what I took from it all.
I appreciated the story; what tripped me up was the narrator. Stephanie Quinn had the right voice, but her speed was speedy. I found myself slowing down the speed in the Audible app to make sure my ears weren't playing with me. It still ran fast to me, bringing me not like her as a storyteller. That was my only gripe.
And check out the book cover- isn’t is absolutely gorgeous? I’ve always loved lighthouses, so this just made my day. Her covers are always magical, and more than HD. It's like you can reach in and actually feel what's there. Okay, so check out a copy of Lumens, A Ghost Story and see if you enjoy the tale. I'm moving on to the next read.
Cheers!
Lumens, A Ghost Story
Written by Mary Jane Capps
Narrated by Stephanie Quinn
An Audible Recording
Book publisher: By the Light of The Moon Press
153-pages
May 21, 2019
Archenemies
Written by Marissa Meyer and
Narrated by Rebecca Solar
When I found the Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer, I thought I’d never find a sci-fi, romance series that could win me over, ever again! I was wrong, but nothing compares, honestly. So when I discovered the Renegade series, I was skeptical.
All my life I’ve been a fan of super heroes, so when I read book one ( Renegades ), I was left with a slightly bitter taste in my mouth. Not that it was bad, I just wasn’t sure I liked it. The concept was awesome and I liked most of the characters- I even adored the conflict Nova/Insomnia faced, but I had trouble really liking her. So when I decided to read book 2, Archenemies, but I was hesitant... #element-dcfe1bfc-23eb-41ef-b55f-f4a105967fef .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Nova and Adrian are working together to fight against the Anarchists, but the lines between doing good and doing evil are beginning to blur. Nova/Insomnia is struggling with her love for Adrian, interfering with her plans. Honestly, the best part of this book is her conflict between her desire for revenge and the need to be loved by the one person who makes her feel she’s the most super of super heroes... even if they never tell one another. But a fatal mistake, made by Nova changes everything. Can she move past it and hold fast to who Adrian believes her to be without him discovering who she really is?
Also, does the horde of Renegades have the right to use a secret weapon against the Anarchists? It’s a power that oversteps even Nova’s lines. Can she stand with people against the ones she’s doing her best to truly stand with?
I liked Archenemies, more than Renegades. To me, the story’s Nova/Insomnia, right vs. wrong and Love over Revenge game held me tighter than the first book. It was heavy, intense even a bit extreme, but it’s what made the book worth reading. Some of the characters and the new ones with crazy powers were so comic bookish, but that's what made the world so cool. But It's the triangle of Nova, her alter ego and her love interest that wow’d me!
I love Marissa Meyer, and to me nothing can beat her Lunar Chronicles series, but I quite liked Archenemies. The series isn’t her best but it is good. Last time I said I probably woudln’t read book 2. Well, I lied and now I’m waiting for the conclusion, Supernova. You check it too.
Cheers!
Archenemies
Book to of the Renegade series
Written by Marissa Meyer
Narrated by Rebecca Solar & Dan Bittner
Published by MacMillan Audio
Unabridged , 14 hours
Narrated by Rebecca Solar
When I found the Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer, I thought I’d never find a sci-fi, romance series that could win me over, ever again! I was wrong, but nothing compares, honestly. So when I discovered the Renegade series, I was skeptical.All my life I’ve been a fan of super heroes, so when I read book one ( Renegades ), I was left with a slightly bitter taste in my mouth. Not that it was bad, I just wasn’t sure I liked it. The concept was awesome and I liked most of the characters- I even adored the conflict Nova/Insomnia faced, but I had trouble really liking her. So when I decided to read book 2, Archenemies, but I was hesitant... #element-dcfe1bfc-23eb-41ef-b55f-f4a105967fef .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Nova and Adrian are working together to fight against the Anarchists, but the lines between doing good and doing evil are beginning to blur. Nova/Insomnia is struggling with her love for Adrian, interfering with her plans. Honestly, the best part of this book is her conflict between her desire for revenge and the need to be loved by the one person who makes her feel she’s the most super of super heroes... even if they never tell one another. But a fatal mistake, made by Nova changes everything. Can she move past it and hold fast to who Adrian believes her to be without him discovering who she really is?Also, does the horde of Renegades have the right to use a secret weapon against the Anarchists? It’s a power that oversteps even Nova’s lines. Can she stand with people against the ones she’s doing her best to truly stand with?
I liked Archenemies, more than Renegades. To me, the story’s Nova/Insomnia, right vs. wrong and Love over Revenge game held me tighter than the first book. It was heavy, intense even a bit extreme, but it’s what made the book worth reading. Some of the characters and the new ones with crazy powers were so comic bookish, but that's what made the world so cool. But It's the triangle of Nova, her alter ego and her love interest that wow’d me!
I love Marissa Meyer, and to me nothing can beat her Lunar Chronicles series, but I quite liked Archenemies. The series isn’t her best but it is good. Last time I said I probably woudln’t read book 2. Well, I lied and now I’m waiting for the conclusion, Supernova. You check it too.
Cheers!
Archenemies
Book to of the Renegade series
Written by Marissa Meyer
Narrated by Rebecca Solar & Dan Bittner
Published by MacMillan Audio
Unabridged , 14 hours
May 20, 2019
The Fossil
A Novella by Greig Beck 
This is what happens when two idiots stick their beaks into a hole no person should explore. They screw it up for everybody! The world! Then they pull something away that sets a series of events in motion, so dire it literally punches a hole into this world, altering the very fabric of all that is known, learned and loved.
This is The Fossil, by my fav author, Greig Beck . #element-cfe620b1-e3ff-48d2-8509-a693b290fc4d .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Fossil is one of those shorts that boggles your brain. First contact, so to speak, throws you for a loop, but when you are moved to the next scene, you think you know what's going to happen. THEN, when you catch on to what the Monsts are, you'll burst out laughing. I read while in bed, in a shared hotel room. It was early morning and my mum was asleep, in the next bed when I figured it out. I nearly woke her with realization!
I then understood the storyline; I understood why things were taking place and I even liked everyone involved. As a matter of fact, at the end, when Special Forces Monroe asked, “So you can talk?” It reminded me of an old 90’s movie Small Soldiers. I blew up with laughter (btw, that's a pun)... but enough about that, or I'll give away the story.
The Fossil is all about the future maintaining control and ensuring nothing from the past can cause any strange anomalies. Something from the future was accidentally left in the past- something that could cause tremendous trouble in the present, and destroy the distant future. The situation requires a Clean Up Crew, who are following its movements, bringing awful incidents for those investigating the occurrences present day. This story is spectacular- I didn't want it to end! I know my synopsis is vague, but I can't tell anymore than that. Really!
What takes place is a wicked experience all Beck fans can appreciate. It’s a fast read and just as great as one of his full-length novels. You can’t let this one get away. Purchase, borrow or KU The Fossil to see what the hype's all about. This one won't come in an audiobook, which is a bummer, but I do own the ebook and physical version. It's that good to me. Well, I’m off to the next read.
Cheers! #wsite-video-container-158870316679945004{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4748_415.jpg); } #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1558044854); } #wsite-video-container-158870316679945004, #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1558044854); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } The Fossil, a Novella
Written by Greig Beck
Published by Severed Press
Kindle Edition, 85-pages
Released March 2019
This is what happens when two idiots stick their beaks into a hole no person should explore. They screw it up for everybody! The world! Then they pull something away that sets a series of events in motion, so dire it literally punches a hole into this world, altering the very fabric of all that is known, learned and loved. This is The Fossil, by my fav author, Greig Beck . #element-cfe620b1-e3ff-48d2-8509-a693b290fc4d .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Fossil is one of those shorts that boggles your brain. First contact, so to speak, throws you for a loop, but when you are moved to the next scene, you think you know what's going to happen. THEN, when you catch on to what the Monsts are, you'll burst out laughing. I read while in bed, in a shared hotel room. It was early morning and my mum was asleep, in the next bed when I figured it out. I nearly woke her with realization!I then understood the storyline; I understood why things were taking place and I even liked everyone involved. As a matter of fact, at the end, when Special Forces Monroe asked, “So you can talk?” It reminded me of an old 90’s movie Small Soldiers. I blew up with laughter (btw, that's a pun)... but enough about that, or I'll give away the story.
The Fossil is all about the future maintaining control and ensuring nothing from the past can cause any strange anomalies. Something from the future was accidentally left in the past- something that could cause tremendous trouble in the present, and destroy the distant future. The situation requires a Clean Up Crew, who are following its movements, bringing awful incidents for those investigating the occurrences present day. This story is spectacular- I didn't want it to end! I know my synopsis is vague, but I can't tell anymore than that. Really!
What takes place is a wicked experience all Beck fans can appreciate. It’s a fast read and just as great as one of his full-length novels. You can’t let this one get away. Purchase, borrow or KU The Fossil to see what the hype's all about. This one won't come in an audiobook, which is a bummer, but I do own the ebook and physical version. It's that good to me. Well, I’m off to the next read.
Cheers! #wsite-video-container-158870316679945004{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4748_415.jpg); } #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1558044854); } #wsite-video-container-158870316679945004, #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-158870316679945004{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1558044854); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } } The Fossil, a Novella
Written by Greig Beck
Published by Severed Press
Kindle Edition, 85-pages
Released March 2019
May 15, 2019
Helldivers IV: Wolves
From the Helldiver Series
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
& Narrated by R. C. Bray
There are author's who write, then there are those who create an experience that morphs into a franchise that I'd go to the moon and back to have in my personal library. My first, most beloved, is Stephen King. Second is Greig Beck, then Nicholas Sansbury-Smith and Mark Tufo. Today's next book review is number four in the series- with book 5 out and next month! (Written at the end of April, btw.)
Ladies and gentlemen, here's my review for Helldivers IV: Wolves! How I forgot to post this back in November of 2018 is beyond me, but here we go! #element-12fc70a7-b5a8-47a2-add0-22a7a35e458e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So Xavier is reunited with a few members of his past and he really isn't happy to see them. Being with him means being closer to death. But they stick with him anyway- and it's not easy.
There are things on earth that have come straight outta hell. They're fierce, bloodthirsty and unrelenting. And there's more. The crew finds a facility that will give them answers to questions they'd never even imagined, but can they hold on to that info, while fighting to get back to the Hive? Can they stop a revolution, as well as keep the airships afloat? Only time will tell.
If you have not stepped into the world of Hell Divers, then you really don't want to start with this book- though I do believe it could work as a stand alone. They refresh you quite often on past adventures, but it's so much better if you dive in from the beginning. You wouldn't regret, especially if you love monsters, adventure and a whole lot of running for your life- Come on, Book 5!
So why do I enjoy this series? Because Sansbury-Smith writes with a ferocity that's spellbinding. He's written, giving background information, teasing on the mispronunciation of the names of cities and states because these people have survived generations after practically the fall of man- they don't know our befuddling mispronunciations. You grow with the survivors- I mean, Tin was a boy when book one released. Now he's a man and a Hell Diver! You grow attached, you feel the fear and you're engaged in the battles. That's what good writing is all about.
Hell Divers: IV Wolves is a spectacular book from a gripping series. You're plunged into a new and foreign world, yet you have bits and pieces to help orient you. You're never truly lost, but the world is utterly unknown. This is for the scifi, thriller, horror-adventure lover. You need to grab yourself a copy, but you really need to go on back to book one and start fresh. I can't wait to see what you think. Anyway, I'm on to my next review.
Cheers! Helldivers IV: Wolves
from the Helldiver Series, Book 4
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Published by Blackstone Publishing
and Blackstone Audio
Released November 2018
Runtime: 9 hours 25 minutes #wsite-video-container-789821439230942312{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4749_503.jpg); } #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1557865199); } #wsite-video-container-789821439230942312, #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1557865199); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } }
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
& Narrated by R. C. Bray
There are author's who write, then there are those who create an experience that morphs into a franchise that I'd go to the moon and back to have in my personal library. My first, most beloved, is Stephen King. Second is Greig Beck, then Nicholas Sansbury-Smith and Mark Tufo. Today's next book review is number four in the series- with book 5 out and next month! (Written at the end of April, btw.)Ladies and gentlemen, here's my review for Helldivers IV: Wolves! How I forgot to post this back in November of 2018 is beyond me, but here we go! #element-12fc70a7-b5a8-47a2-add0-22a7a35e458e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
So Xavier is reunited with a few members of his past and he really isn't happy to see them. Being with him means being closer to death. But they stick with him anyway- and it's not easy.There are things on earth that have come straight outta hell. They're fierce, bloodthirsty and unrelenting. And there's more. The crew finds a facility that will give them answers to questions they'd never even imagined, but can they hold on to that info, while fighting to get back to the Hive? Can they stop a revolution, as well as keep the airships afloat? Only time will tell.
If you have not stepped into the world of Hell Divers, then you really don't want to start with this book- though I do believe it could work as a stand alone. They refresh you quite often on past adventures, but it's so much better if you dive in from the beginning. You wouldn't regret, especially if you love monsters, adventure and a whole lot of running for your life- Come on, Book 5!
So why do I enjoy this series? Because Sansbury-Smith writes with a ferocity that's spellbinding. He's written, giving background information, teasing on the mispronunciation of the names of cities and states because these people have survived generations after practically the fall of man- they don't know our befuddling mispronunciations. You grow with the survivors- I mean, Tin was a boy when book one released. Now he's a man and a Hell Diver! You grow attached, you feel the fear and you're engaged in the battles. That's what good writing is all about.
Hell Divers: IV Wolves is a spectacular book from a gripping series. You're plunged into a new and foreign world, yet you have bits and pieces to help orient you. You're never truly lost, but the world is utterly unknown. This is for the scifi, thriller, horror-adventure lover. You need to grab yourself a copy, but you really need to go on back to book one and start fresh. I can't wait to see what you think. Anyway, I'm on to my next review.
Cheers! Helldivers IV: Wolves
from the Helldiver Series, Book 4
Written by Nicholas Sansbury-Smith
Narrated by R. C. Bray
Published by Blackstone Publishing
and Blackstone Audio
Released November 2018
Runtime: 9 hours 25 minutes #wsite-video-container-789821439230942312{ background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/14113447-183718740458099994/img_4749_503.jpg); } #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1557865199); } #wsite-video-container-789821439230942312, #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and ( min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and ( min-resolution: 2dppx) { #video-iframe-789821439230942312{ background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1557865199); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position:center; background-size: 70px 70px; } }
May 14, 2019
Rise of the Carnivores
eBook by Lou Yardley 
I first found Lou Yardley via an email that I’d come across for free ebooks. The book was fantastic, about a family haunted by an army of vocal spiders. It was so good and creepy, I had to have more. I currently own about four books by Yardley, with Rise of the Carnivores being my latest purchase.
Is this book, sharing a run of carnivorous predators in today’s Brighton, a wild read everyone would enjoy? #element-bd4ba41c-8683-4be6-b2ee-dd0488960934 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Before I begin, I have to tell you, this is one of Yardley’s fun-tastic books. She offers up a warning at the beginning, telling how it is not to be taken serious. Sorta. It’s written as though you’re watching one of the cheesiest, 70’s, B-movies in a running for a cult classic award. The action is fast, the possibility for romance is corny and the action is hugely exaggerated, but it’s supposed to be.
When wormholes begin to appear all over the seaside town, with prehistoric creatures walking through, three associates must assume some of the chore to capture and return the monsters, or destroy them. Their irresponsibility costs them precious body parts and more, but they do their best to save people- No matter how dangerous! With additional characters along the way, they have to collect data, using the royal “we” (a joke for the ones who've read) in order to top the dangerous process of wormholes spontaneously opening. Btw, I learned about the royal ‘Us’ a few weeks ago, then I’m introduced to the ‘We’ in a monster book. Funny.
Rise of the Carnivores is fun but isn’t one of Yardley’s very best. It’s a fun read, but to me, it felt rushed. I found myself stopping and re-reading sentences that seemed to be incomplete afterthoughts. You know, like when you write a sentence one way, but when you go back to read it, you decide to change a word, like a pronoun, but you forgot to delete the word you wanted to swap out. It happens to be best of us, but all in all, it's still a read that makes you laugh, sigh and even slap your forehead!
The story is so fast, it's hard to keep up and things happen where you're like, "What the wha?" It's silly, it's funny but to me, she's got so much more potential. I love Lou Yardley and I will keep this one in my library, but it doesn't carry her usual punch. The good thing is, I've read the book that she's released after this one and it's so much better, creepier and a heck of a gory ride. Be looking out for this author, she's got some longevity. Anyway, check it out while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Rise of the Carnivores
Written and published by Lou Yardley
Released March 2019
324-pages
I first found Lou Yardley via an email that I’d come across for free ebooks. The book was fantastic, about a family haunted by an army of vocal spiders. It was so good and creepy, I had to have more. I currently own about four books by Yardley, with Rise of the Carnivores being my latest purchase.Is this book, sharing a run of carnivorous predators in today’s Brighton, a wild read everyone would enjoy? #element-bd4ba41c-8683-4be6-b2ee-dd0488960934 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Before I begin, I have to tell you, this is one of Yardley’s fun-tastic books. She offers up a warning at the beginning, telling how it is not to be taken serious. Sorta. It’s written as though you’re watching one of the cheesiest, 70’s, B-movies in a running for a cult classic award. The action is fast, the possibility for romance is corny and the action is hugely exaggerated, but it’s supposed to be. When wormholes begin to appear all over the seaside town, with prehistoric creatures walking through, three associates must assume some of the chore to capture and return the monsters, or destroy them. Their irresponsibility costs them precious body parts and more, but they do their best to save people- No matter how dangerous! With additional characters along the way, they have to collect data, using the royal “we” (a joke for the ones who've read) in order to top the dangerous process of wormholes spontaneously opening. Btw, I learned about the royal ‘Us’ a few weeks ago, then I’m introduced to the ‘We’ in a monster book. Funny.
Rise of the Carnivores is fun but isn’t one of Yardley’s very best. It’s a fun read, but to me, it felt rushed. I found myself stopping and re-reading sentences that seemed to be incomplete afterthoughts. You know, like when you write a sentence one way, but when you go back to read it, you decide to change a word, like a pronoun, but you forgot to delete the word you wanted to swap out. It happens to be best of us, but all in all, it's still a read that makes you laugh, sigh and even slap your forehead!
The story is so fast, it's hard to keep up and things happen where you're like, "What the wha?" It's silly, it's funny but to me, she's got so much more potential. I love Lou Yardley and I will keep this one in my library, but it doesn't carry her usual punch. The good thing is, I've read the book that she's released after this one and it's so much better, creepier and a heck of a gory ride. Be looking out for this author, she's got some longevity. Anyway, check it out while I move on to the next read. Cheers!
Rise of the Carnivores
Written and published by Lou Yardley
Released March 2019
324-pages
