A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 76

The Bachelor Girls Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

     Oh this book!  Filled with improprieties and murder- it made for an exciting read!  The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder,, by Rachel McMillan, kept me in the New World, but filled me with old-London styled mystery.

     Merinda and Jemima are two young ladies ignoring societies rules.  Instead of looking to parties and game nights to meet men to secure their futures, they're flatmates, snooping around murder scenes in search for a murderer.  Since they're inspired by the great Sherlock Holmes and Watson, they go through stints in disguises and such to find their man and not always successful at it.  Thankfully they have an officer friend, Jasper and a reporter pal by the name of Ray (another extremist to get a story) to help out.  Together, they work to solve the murder o an Irish girl in a grand theater.      This book starts out like horses at the racetrack.  You're immediately immersed in murder and I like that.  Get me straight into the heart of the story!  But what's better is that it's a woman standing over the body, inspecting it for clues!  The shame!  'Gasp!"  And you're immediately introduced to Jem and Merinda- the female versions of Holmes and Watson.

     McMillan even made their personalities almost the same- but Merinda doesn't always have her thoughts well planted and comes off rather snide but funny.  She's just so caught up in finding dead bodies and not being left out that she never realizes how awful she treats her only friend, Jemima.  And poor Jemima wants the adventure, but really does need to have a form of security, since her parents cut her from her all financial support.  Because of Merinda!

     I loved this story.  First, it's during an era I loved to read, with all the formalities and even the Morality Squad!  I found women wanting to get into the world of criminology and become detectives adventurous, but Merinda was a pain.  She sorta ruined it form time to time with her maltreatment of Jem, but Jem was the diamond in the rough, along with the assistance of Ray and Jasper.  

     If you enjoy mystery and a lot of womanly views on how to solve crimes better than men, this is the one to read.  It was fantastic.

Stella's Awakening by R. K. Ryde

     First off, this woman, R. K. Ryde is one of my bestest IG Friends!  She's wonderful, displays an honesty that's felt and her smile is infectious!  When you get to know a person, online or not, prior to reading their work, you almost take on an unfair expectation of them as an author.  You look for absolute perfection that can easily be blighted by their work.  That, thankfully, was not the case with Rhonda's amazing novel, Stella's Awakening!

     The Blurb:
A painful Past.  A forbidden romance.  Will she choose love and make the ultimate sacrifice?
For Stella Welsch, buying a home and starting her own business has already pushed the boundaries of her strict upbringing.  When she meets the sexy and powerful executive, Conrad Adams, Stella knows he's off limits, but can;t help daydreaming about a forbidden romance.  As sparks begin to fly, Stella reveals that the relationship could have her cut off from her family and life she knows...
     I found it symbolic to have the blurb in red, considering this is about a woman taking of the 'Forbidden Fruit'.  The story is as real as sauciness can get when it comes to coveting.  When you see something so often, you feel it's yours - knowing that possession (or the desire of) is like 50% of the crime and still want to go for it... tsk, tsk, tsk...  This story is so much more than romance.  It truly is filled with a naughtiness that you won't find in your contemporary romance reads with a deep storyline behind it all.  Oh, and there's a snake and apple on the cover for a reason.      First, there's a bit of taboo when reading this book.  I felt excited for Stella and her new experiences but more than the sexiness of this book, I took on a new understanding for the fear she felt.  I learned a great deal from her background and found a sadness for her that related a bit of my own life, to a degree.  I found myself in tears on one part (I'll share this: It has to do with Alexander).  I found a common ground with Stella that made her my friend during the read but she had a mega decision to make and I dreaded it for her, yet thrilled at the adventure of it all!

     Rhyde's gift of description and storytelling allowed me feel the newness and desires within Stella- I wanted what she wanted too!  At first, I was confused at her holding back and constantly saying, 'it wasn't right'  She 'wasn't allowed' - I was like, "Come on girl- you're grown!"  then I found out and was like "Uh-oh..."  LOL

     Because I've always been one to rebel against what I didn't like or didn't want, I couldn't understand how some things happened to her.  Some her situations with Conrad- had it been me, I'd have taken over and he'd have probably run away!  I've never been one to be commanded, my dad the Marine could attest, but that just leaves things open for her to grow and stand in book two.  I never liked waiting for a follow-up story, but for Stella and her emancipation, I can.  I hope it won't be long because this book was emotional, raunchy, sexy and even spiritual.  
     When I began this book, I had to stop due to a few book tours hitting my schedule, but when I got back into it, I went from 8% to 69% in a day, then finished the following day!  This is a page turner and the newness of Stella's sex life... OMGoodness- it's hot!  "Thank you Ketchup!"  

A Little Bit Langston by Andrew Demcak

     I have never suffered issues with identity that was more than the norm- what sort of music I like, why my boobs were bigger than my friends, why I hung out with boys instead of wearing make up and designer jeans and heeled shoes...  But to change channels on tv without touching the tv or the remote?  To connect with an arc of electricity and be permitted to see into my friend's home security system... Those I'm happy I didn't have to deal with!  

     Unlike an episode of X-Men, James is dealing with some strange occurrences.  On top of that, he's realized he's in love with his best friend Paul, who's now disappeared, under unusual circumstances, around the same time James is supposed to go a new school.  

​     Paragon Academy is a special school, but not because James is slow in comprehension   It's a school of paranormal study.  Under the careful eye of Dr. Albion, James, along with a bit of psychic help will discover why he's channeling the famous African American poet, Montgomery Langston and hopefully return to a life that's normal and refreshing. But Don't Get Me Wrong: This book is not what you think!      This book is an adventure of unusual design.  I've never read anything like it- even through the sexual difficulties of the main character, James Kerr, I found myself caught up in, not a story of discovery but of rescue! .  Though I'm still a bit confused on how to categorize the story, because it's middle school.  YA better fits since there's, a chapter where I experienced something so different, so unusual, I almost felt voyeuristic due to James' age.  I was even a bit uncomfortable; I had to put the book down and breath, pensive.

     Andrew Demcak, the author, is an award-winning poet and novelist in both print and online work.  He knew exactly what he was writing and to whom he was writing with this book, but many who read it should be ready for something new.  Have an open mind and don't cringe.  It's like having a baby.  You know the pain is coming, but after it's happened, you find yourself thinking about how bad you thought it was going to be.  And you're left with something amazing.  This story literally (visually) morphs before your eyes and the book you though you were reading becomes something else!

     I enjoyed A Little Bit Langston.  It's a cool story and if you have an open mind, you will too!

The Damaged by Simon Law

     Every time I pick up a book, a horror or thriller in particular, I'm looking to walk away from that book a changed person.  I'm expecting to be so enthralled, I get depressed upon reaching the final page.  I don't have to love the characters, but I need to believe in them.  This book, this book left me in a state of shock.  I couldn't believe what I'd read and that was cool.

     The Damaged, by Simon Law, is about Matthew.  Recently released from a mental institution after witnessing the murder of his parents and a child.  He is doing his best to adjust to home life and work things out, along with his carer, Tammy.  But this relationship takes a turn for something monstrous as Matt decides to make a move into vigilantism... and straight up terror.

     This book is a monster.  It's so, so... dark!  I can honestly say, this Dahmeresque-like tale was too real for me.  I had to stop reading for a while because it was too much, like things that could really happen!  Get this,... it terrified me- he was NUTS!.      From violent imaginings to actually eating an Aggy Polish steak, this story really gets INSIDE you.  I found myself with a pinched face from around the last quarter of the book to the freaking end!  The Damaged is not for the faint of heart and if you're not in to horror- leave this book alone!  BUT, if you like to be grossed out, confused and horrified, try it on for size.  You won't walk away from this book the same.  

     Lastly, the book has two covers.  One has the awesome raven, as you see with my photo.  There's another with a red, leather, Queen Anne-looking, Chesterfield chair.  There covers are different and they represent the same thing, but to me, this one does it justice.  The chair's cool and all, but it simply doesn't strike home as the raven does.  Okay- I'm done, I'm on to the next tale!

This Is Not THE END by Jesse Jordan

          It's rare that I win a book from The Reading Room, but when I don't win an actual book, I'm gifted with ebooks and pdf's.  That's cool, I can dig it.  Last week, I won two and this is one of them.  This Is Not THE END by Jesse Jordan. 

     So this novel is about James Salley, the antichrist.  Yes, the emissary for Satan, I kid you not.  He's a sixteen year old kid who wants to just die, but he's set for bigger and better things!  He just can't see it...
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     He's bullied and despised by other kids (they don't realize it's not their faults.  It's like his pheromones just bring out the ugly, and he's always being watched by folks that actually turn out to be Roman Catholic Antichrist killers, determined to stop him.  Then there's the librarian and others who know  and are simply waiting on him to do his thang! lol      What I liked about this story is that, James had a choice in everything he did.  He tries to research through the bible on Revelation (which can be difficult for the best of Christians) and listens to Ezra.  And he's left confused!    I loved it!  He's a kid; how else was he supposed to be?

    I enjoyed this story, but I have to say, the footnotes... No dude!  Way too much information, even when it was helpful.  I understand why Jordan wanted to share particular locations and stuff, but as an author and reader, somethings need to be left for the reader to research.  When I don't know a word, I find my dictionary.  If I can't envision a location, I pull it up on a map- don't boggle me down with footnotes!  Maybe that was a one time thing for this story, I don't know.  I hope it's not his style in all books though, because that could get old really fast!

     So yeah, check out This Is Not THE END.  You may enjoy it.  On to the next ebook win!

Artificial Light by Nathan Wall

     I was gifted this scifi, ebook thriller from the author himself, Nathan Wall. I love when authors seek me out.  As you can probably tell, I found the cover a sweet view.  The colors and HD animation is totally cool; something that would catch my eyes from Amazon's website or a bookshelf.

     The summary for Artificial Light, by Nathan Wall says:
Sometimes you risk becoming a villain in order to be the hero.
Since recovering memories and incredible abilities nearly two years ago, an insatiable lust to grow more powerful has consumed Jarrod. Now that urge puts the friends he has left in mortal danger. The only way to protect them is to accept isolation. However, Jarrod has made promises and intends on staying with those he cares for until his pledge is upheld. 
The Light of Souls has been disrupted and replaced with a fake. The Assassins, three angels from the fallen Corners living out their penance, are charged with eliminating the perpetrator. When their sights turn to Jarrod, he and all those around him are marked for death.

     So first, I have to say that this is book 3 in a series.  It's maddening to jump into a series at the end, but when the adventure is free, do you turn it down?  I also communicated with the author and he says it can stand alone, but I'm finding that rather difficult.  Not that he's lying, but some things are taking place with the main characters that are slightly perplexing for me.          The book's style and inner-workings are serpentine.  There's a lot of back and forth in time that aren't explained for me to know what's really taken place.  Without giving the details, because SPOILERS aren't allowed, in the previous books, a program was created, allowing the Gods to inhabit humans and one is in Jarrod.  He's like Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because when he's bad- he's bad.  But he doesn't want to be, so he randomly loses time, killing folks- even sometimes awakening from his stupor just to resuscitate the one he killed!

​     It's an extreme story though, I have to admit.  When these guys, who are all reborn from the Egyptian gods, unless they're other things, go far to get what they want.  They're extreme and don't take any mess- not even Hermes!  I always thought him a softer sort... NOT!

     Then there are other Gods who came through a portal (which I'm only able to assume because it's not always explained) and joined the mafia of other gods-  and did I mention there are werewolves  demons, angels and telepaths?  It is a wild ride!  When I wasn't confused, I was enjoying it all, but honestly, it's not a stand alone for me; maybe to others it was easy to follow but I couldn't.  The first two books are definitely necessary in my opinion.

     I gave the book a fair rating for the one coming in with no knowledge and trying to play catch up.  It's a cool book with an amazing cover, but snag the first two to be on the safe side!  On to the next read!

EX Isle by Peter Clines

     I was thinking this would be an amazing story.  I thought it would be a change from the run-of-the-mill zombie novels and I thought I'd love the storyline.  On all accounts, I found myself disappointed.  

     EXIsle is about the world being over-run by zombies.  There's a war going on and you're either a Good Guy or a Bad Guy.  There are no by-standers and everyone's collateral damage!  I found the story unbelievably unbelievable.  From the first page where St. George tosses zombies with a flick of the wrist, to him jumping about twenty feet into the air!  I was like, "Really?  Really..."

     This is part of the EX Heroes series, by Peter Clines.  This is book number 5 I think and I believe it will be the only one I read.  Why do they keep chucking me in the middle or end of something that could be great?!  Coming in on a series is just not cool for me and I'm so bummed that they keep coming to me this way, but I take many of them the way I get 'em.  

     Sadly, I wasn't happy with this one.  Not only did it suck but the author even apologizes for rushing the job in the acknowledgements at the end!  Say wha?  So I may end up handing this book off to a friend.  I don't even know if I want to keep it on my shelf.  What a bummer...

The Dragon's Descent: An Ether Novel by Larice E Molinari

     For some reason, I keep winding up with books that are part of a series- and I land someplace in the center or end of it all!  I really don't like that, but this book was good enough to help me along without feeling too lost.

     The story's summary says everything Vero has trained for in the Ether has led to this. In the third and final book of Laurice E. Molinari s Ether series, the young guardian angel Vero is given the quest of locating the Book of Raziel which was lost when Adam was forced to leave the garden of Eden. And not even Raziel himself knows where the book is now. It soon becomes clear, however, that Lucifer is intent on finding the book for his own means.

     So I liked this book!  It's full of action and the story about guardian angels is amazing!  I never imagined angels living with earthly families, like changelings and then leaving.  Well in this story, Vero is called out on a quest and pretty much has to beat Satan to it.  It's his final test.

​     This is book three in Laurice E. Molinari's Ether series and full of everything an adventure of celestial proportions for young readers.  The story may not be for all kids- maybe even better for YA but it was a great read and I will share it later with my own son, who's 11-years old.  Who knows, I may even buy the previous books to learn the entire story.
On to the next book!  

The Realmsic Conquest: The Icon of Earth by Demethius Jackson

      Oh boy- Kelm has done it now!  The magical realm has new enemies.  A large army has arrived at the tail-end of the attack and victory against Damian.  And she's no joke.  Let me share why I enjoyed The Realmsic Conquest: The Icon of Earth.

     Lead by Saraya, a leader who behaves much like the Borg in Star Trek, comes in like a true, wrecking ball, and injures our awesome, King Maebus.  But she doesn't just dominate the kingdom; she inherits a devastating problem as well.

     Kelm, best friend to King Maebus, made a decision that may cost the realm its existence.  Now he and friends must find the Icon of Earth, a special healing candle- and the only item that can win the war.  Without it, King Maebus and all they hold dear may be lost!  The obstacle: it's rumored to be hidden within the walls of Damian's fortress!

     Demethius Jackson is an amazing author.  His style of writing and voice is powerful.  Reading his work is like reading a Conan the Barbarian tale by Robert E. Howard!  It just feels real.  This book, as with the first was easy to read and to get caught up in.  The story's action-packed, funny, serious and always closes on an even better note!

     Check out his website too (click on either his name or the book title above)- it's awesome, like him!  So inclosing, if you enjoy the magic and power of what will never be- hopefully, check out Book two in the Realmsic Conquest series.  Read The Icon of Earth!
​Rating:  

The Puller by Michael Hodges

     When I read the synopsis for this book, I expected something major from the very beginning.  Instead, I felt like I was back in high school, receiving an education on the Huron and the Upper Peninsula,  flora and fawna!  Oh my goodness- I found everything in so great a description, I died a little with every page!  

     Michael Hodges is a wonderful write, but he gives way too much to the readers.  His descriptive skills are beyond reproach.  By the time the action kicked in, I was ready to put the book down.  I'm glad I held on, because the boredom ceased and- well, who'da thunk it?  A story was in there!

     Matt lost a lot.  His father from cancer, his dog, Elmo (which in my opinion, the name was murder in itself) from a car accident, then his girlfriend.  Everybody had died, but his mother.  He needed an escape from the real world, so he ventured into the Michigan mountains, to his family cabin.
    
     The thing is, something was up there with him.  It attacked the animals, even put a full-grown moose up high, in a tree!  And just when Matt tried to escape, something pulled him back.  The story wasn't too bad.  Not one of my favorites, but pretty good.  Should you read it, be prepared for a dendrological class first!  Next book!