A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 78

The Imposter by Suzanne Woods Fisher

     From what I gather, no woman wants to get married when they're Amish!  No, let me retract- most of the marriages are arranged with no love involved, so when you think you're about to marry and it's to the Amish man of your dreams, that's a Big Deal!  But what happens when the man you think you're going to marry doesn't want to marry you?  It's a twist unheard of!  And sums up the first part of The Imposter, by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  Also, if you wish to be entered into The Imposter Celebration Tour Giveaway, to win a brand new Kindle Fire 7", click on the link at the end of this review. 

     When I first began this book, I was a bit confused.  There was so much going on in this tale, I thought I was getting confused from time time, on who was speaking.  I had to get my storylines straight before I lost interest.  Thankfully, I did.  The story is about Katrina- the girl who had everything figured out.  Who she was marrying and how her life would fit the traditional mold- except she wanted to marry John and live her happily ever after.  But her love ran away and left her shattered!  It's not until she meets Andy that she learns about herself and what to expect and not expect of others.  But so much more grows within her- in any woman who learns a lesson.      I really appreciated the lessons in this book.  I love when you can walk away from a Christian book, nodding in approval.  It wasn't one that I'd run off telling of how it changed my life or that I'd even read it more than twice (especially since I've never read my favorite book twice), but there was substance to it.  From what I understand, many of the characters in this book are in other books by Fisher, making a network I may decide to dive into, but I'm just not sure yet.  The world of Amish romance is new to me and takes some getting used to.

     Another aspect I enjoyed was the supportive father in this story.  Katrina's father, David, was supportive, even though everything in Katrina's life was against the core values of the Amish community.  But that's another storyline within the story.  I can't say much because so much is going on in this book- and I don't am totally against SPOILERS!  You'll just have to pick up your own copy of the book.  :)

     So if you're looking for a turn-about in the story of arranged marriages, with the guy as the Runaway Bride (lol), check out Suzanne's The Imposter.  On to the next book!

The Paladin Sequence by Lance Tuck

     My love for all things frightening was satiated with these books!  It's unlike anything I've read in a long while and I was more than honored to be a part of a feedback team!  This series is about many people, but one in particular.  His name is Matthew Paladin.  A man with many demons, but also does his best to fight them!  He's an Exorcist and works for The Church but there's nothing conventional concerning their methods.  Dressed like Neo and the crew of Matrix, he's loaded down with weapons of all sorts... blessed by the Pope himself!  This story is a wild ride! On to the reviews!
And don't miss out on the instructions for an epic giveaway of the first two books of the Paladin Sequence!      The summary for Devil's Garden is as follows:
The Paladin Sequence is an introduction to a world on the brink of apocalypse. Told through the eyes of Matthew Paladin, an exorcist who knows all too well what it means to be a thrall to an infernal force, the Paladin Sequence is a retrospective account of the events that have led Matthew to the end of what seems to be mankind’s best hope for salvation....
     This story is amazing because you don't just get to know why things are happening but how. As the reader you're introduced to key players that bring to you a visual, sometimes bloody, how Paladin is to battle against Original Evil.

     Tuck carefully developed histories and personalities that are both tortured and full of faith to do what they're required to do to help all that are lost and ignorant to what's happening around them.  I personally loved Gerald Ironblood's story.  Not only did he go up against The demon and fail; he sulked then came back like Rocky Balboa and blew it away... for a while.  Paladin's story is deeper and as you travel across and around the world, you find out just how much research and planning went into this book.  

​     I was amazed, grossed out and encouraged to read until it ended...  Or did it?
Ratings: 

The Silo Saga by Hugh Howey

     When I first found Wool, by Hugh Howey, I simply saw a huge book that stuck my curiosity.  I love the look of big books and this one made my mouth water.  When I purchased it at a discounted price, via Barnes & Noble Marketsellers, I knew it had to be mind.  What I didn't know was it was book one of a tri-book series.  Naturally, I had to possess them all, like Pokémon!  lol  I finally received them and added them to my TBR List.      Book one, Wool, in the Silo Saga is set in the future. Wool is two-fold, to me.  It refers to the wool the silo residents used to clean the cameras that watched outside and for the stuff that was pulled over their eyes.  I could be wrong, but only Mr. Howey can clarify.

       After wars, and the destruction of the world as we know it.  There's safety inside the Silo.  You don't mention anything outside of it, for it's blasphemy and practically a confession of betrayal to the "cause"- therefore your punishment is death by Cleaning.  
     Inside the silo, existence is divided into a caste system that keeps their home functioning.  When Juliette, a Mech, is assigned to become Sheriff of  silo, she's plunged into world where people are lying.  They're lying about their existence and whether there are others, out there, beyond the walls of the silo.  It's only when she's punished for questioning, while investigating multiple 'suicides' that she finds the truth, and heads an uprising, without even being home, where they're all just trying to be free. ​

​     There were a few dry spots in the story, but all in all, I enjoyed it.  I just hope Shift is better!

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

     I'd developed a case of 'love at first sight' when I first saw this book cover.  For some reason, maybe because vegetarianism is my ultimate goal, I don't know, I just knew I had to read it.  Once I gazed over the summary, I thought, "Oh, this sounds like one of those weird, spooky movies, like The Host or 3 Extremes or something!"  I just knew, I had to read it.  Now, I'm not really sure how I feel.

     The style of writing is very different... strange.  The inner-sleeve of the book said Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary life before she took on the vegetarian lifestyle, but I totally disagree., I know that Korean culture is very different, even from most Korean-American culture, but Mr. Cheong wasn't a very nice guy.  He didn't think his wife was even pretty.  He didn't like her hair, her body- nothing.  They lived in a home where they rarely slept together- it had to have been a lonely existence for her.  Other than finding her standing before an open refrigerator, I'm surprised he even noticed her change!      Then the book quickly took a rapid, dark turn.  Yeong-hye became morose, even embarrassing her husband during a business dinner.  Her actions totally off-putting and Mr. Cheong became irritated.  What was terrible about this book was not the odd nightmares Yeong-hye endured but her husband's terrible words, his habitual raping and constant negativity.  He made me angry, with his feigned concern for her well-being.  I can't say much more without giving away  SPOILERS  - and I refuse to give anything away!  You have to read it to truly understand, not understand.

     I thought, for a while, the author was referring to a hidden PSA on a topic that I won't mention because it would offer up a SPOILER , but sadly, there was none.  Had there been one, so much would have made sense.  The actions of Yeong-hye affected people around her, but not in the way you'd think.  Everything was drastic,  dark and brooding.  And the bits of light that seemed to perk up a few people were exceedingly selfish or down-right monstrous.  Believe me, I'm not exaggerating.

     I also need to state for the record, this book is not for everyone.  It's a disturbingly, erotic and violent story.  Is there romance and love-making- no.  It's full of hunger and greed- and NOTHING to do with --, other than one - Oops!  I almost told the story.   It's so weird and I really didn't understand it.  I tried, going back pages and rereading, but it was infuriating.  Later, while going over my notes, I decided the story is truly one of those that need no true beginning or ending.  It just is.  There was no rhyme or reason and it's not really supposed to make sense. 
​You're supposed to walk away, bewildered into silence.  

Oblivion (Lux Series, 1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

*Read-a-long!

Before Reading:
    I first want to say, if you have not read the Lux series, you need to.  I kept hearing about the storres and seeing tons of Daemon memes and wondering, who the heck?!  Then I kept seeing these big books saying "LUX" on them and wondering, "What is that?" because I'm attracted to large books.  So I finally purchased the audiobooks and took listen and asked myself, "What the heck took me so long to jump on the bandwagon?!"  I purchased the books and added them to my bookshelf.  I had too- the story was excellent!  I was obsessed with the storyline.  Jennifer L. Armentrout really put her foot in it!  (Except with Obsession). 

​     So when Oblivion came out, I purchased both versions, as always.  I'd previously read Obsession and wasn't very happy, so I was praying this story wasn't damaged in any way! After Reading/Listening:
     The story is about Daemon and Katy- just like the LUX series.  It's funny to hear his POV, but it's not really making much of a difference from the original read.  He sorta made his thoughts and intentions obvious in the original telling.  His flirtatious pen pokes, his getting all up in her personal space and stuff- all ready understood.  It's what made the books so good to begin with.  It wasn't just Katy who felt the electricity, no pun intended.  

     Hearing Daemon's thoughts when he's kicking himself in the butt over his mistakes is also very humorous, but nowhere near as funny as when he has to rescue Katy (or himself) from Simon!  Those moments are the funniest when it comes to a guy's point of view.  Very realistic and did add to the original telling.  

     But honestly, was this book really necessary?  Nah; it was a good way to make some extra money by repeating a story we already knew.  Wasn't much different, just a rehash from a diff POV.  But I enjoyed it nonetheless.  Bravo, Ms. Armentrout on gaining a bit more money from me!  Yeah, I paid for it in audio and physical form while she's laughing, all the way to the bank.  LOL  On to the next book.

Obsession, An Arum Novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

                                          *Audio Read-a-Long Review
So when I found out this book released in November, I was surprised!  I follow Jennifer L. Armentrout on Facebook and on Instagram and totally missed this one!  I went immediately to B&N and got my copy ordered and began listening to the audio version until my book delivery was made.  
​I could have waited...

     The story is about Serena, a friend of Meilssa- an unfortunate human who witnessed a Luxen attack.  Now she's been marked for murder for what she may or may not know.  So the DoD has assigned a protector of sorts.  His name's Hunter and he's Arum!

     Now Hunter is a loner.  He's hostile, dangerous and not in the mood to babysit, but there's something about Serena he can't escape... the burning of his libido... and then I was bored!  This story is NOTHING like the Lux series- and though I wasn't expecting to be like the first five books or even Oblivion, which is Daemon's POV, but I wasn't expecting a book full of sexual innuendo and a plethora of "F-bombs!"        While painting my master bedroom, I listened to this book.  Took me two days (not full days) to finish it, but less than half of one to know I was not going to like it.  It's not a YA novel anymore and the paranormal aspect was drowned in a watery sea of wanton nastiness.  I kept thinking, "Come on man- no more mentioning your lower extremities!  PLEASE!" Sadly, it went on throughout the entire book.  There's a reason I am not a huge romance fan and all this book did was reinforce my reasoning.  Because I held on to hope, I finished the book, but ugh... it was rough.  And don't even get me started on the narrator, Alexandra R. Josephs.  
 ¡No bueno!

     Action finally struck and I was pleased, but it was quickly followed by more sex and the narrator's horrid, lust-filled impression of a sexually imbalanced Arum!  Again, I was like, "No, please no!".  I'm reading Oblivion next and I'm hoping the Arum portion concerning Project Eagle and the conniving Take Over the World plot from the Lux novels tie in- to have them come together in an epic war would be the best!  It would have made my trudge through Obsession worth while!   I sure hope Daemon's book isn't a continuous inner-monologue of nastiness like Hunter.  I loved the Lux series- I hope Ms. Armentrout didn't ruin it. 
 On to the next book!

Game Over (The MindWar Trilogy) by Andrew Klavan

     Cyber-terrorism, monsters of The Realm and minds of people being inserted into a super-computer network needed to save a planet!  This book is science fiction, fantasy and adventure action, all rolled up into one trilogy.  Sadly, I didn't get the first two books so I am entering this adventure at the end, but it doesn't take from the great story that is Game Over by Andrew Klavan!  I never like coming in at the end- I know there's a great deal I've missed on this story, like Rick's maturity throughout the storyline or friends lost along the way, but it's the one sent to me, so here goes...      The story is about The Realm and keeping computerized peace.  The Realm is a place linked to the mind of Kurador, a network terrorist.  It's the oddest thing, but the world is like a subway system, allowing Kurador to transport himself anyplace he wishes to be.  He's looking to bring down everything on the planet.  Using this computer system, he tries to use Rick's brain against him, popping the young man in and out of The Realm uncontrollably.  
 
     Now, I'm going to be honest, this was an interesting story, but because it was so weird, I wasn't as thrilled with it.  So much must have happened in the earlier books- I feel cheated in the victory of it all.  Rick's drawn to a gal named Molly but I don't know what happened to them prior to this book.  He's a Mind Warrior, fighting against the MindWar... I just couldn't get as excited as I know I'd have been had I read the first two books.   I may go back to book one and read the series in it's entirety, I don't know yet.  I can't just have a book that finishes things up without knowing what started it all off!  

     I rated it right in the middle, with three specs.  I felt it was a good story but it left me wanting more.  On to the next read.

What She Left Behind by Emily Kendy

     I was gifted with the book, What She Left Behind, from author Emily Kendy.  I love reading the works of burgeoning authors and Ms. Kendy is no different.  This is a good book, but it's very odd too.  Not because it was difficult to read or written poorly but because Rebecca, the main character was difficult!

     The story is about Rebecca; a young lady with freshman qualities who is booted from college in her senior year!  She was to be a journalist but she became a party girl instead.  She has no job, lies to her mother repeatedly, and came off as a nympholist!  The sad part is, she comes off as being a lovely gal, talented in the field she so desires, but her life has no direction and so she broods and parties more.  What really makes the story explode is Ezra- the rock 'n' roll magazine editor.  She becomes obsessed... but I can't say much more because I'd end up giving SPOILERS! and you know how I feel about that.

     I truly feel Kendy wanted me (and she was telling me the story!) to 'love to hate' Rebecca.  She has potential but you can't truly appreciate her because she's so... Gah!  Ms. Kendy did a great job in description, relaying emotion and even illustrated a perfect picture of a young lady who does not want to run her life!  LOL  This story reminded me so much of another book I read last year (I Take You, Eliza Kennedy) and that's a great compliment.   I enjoyed What She Left Behind and would read more from Emily Kendy.  On to another book!

They Came Out After Dark

     When I received this ebook, free from one of my daily newsmails, I was actually excited.  The synopsis read like a true horror story, but as with many stories that carry an Asian theme, they are drawn out with extensive backstory and near suicidal personalities.  I really doubt I'll move on to the other two books in this series.

     The story is about a school group that traveled into the mountains of Japan to visit  a study camp in British Heights- an out of place museum, theater and more.  Its owned by Mr. Forbes, a s'diddi billionaire who cares for his precious antiquities more than the people paying to visit them.  Students are suddenly trapped in a white-out snow storm, doubled over from an illness I shall not name, since I don't believe in SPOILERS and hunted by something that comes out of Edgar Allen Poe's, The Raven! 

     To be honest, the only reason I finished this book is because the author promised me a monster.  The characters were a bit drab but strong enough in Jun and Akane to make me command my eyes show me to the ending... or new beginning.  Other than that, I read about a bunch of foolish teenagers who (periodically) did the same thing to their British instructors as to me and my friends when I lived in Japan: They spoke ugly words in their native tongue while pretending to be kind and respectful.  That part was true to life to me.  Ugh...      Anyway, Ward wrote an okay YA story, but by adding the mysterious creatures and 'the monster', it became confusing.  It took me a very long time to finish this book.  I read ebooks at night, in bed before sleeping; this book kept putting me to sleep instead of giving me someone to anxiously await.  What disappointed me was the feeling of A Cabin In The Woods- which I loved, by the way.  I don't like it when a particular style that makes one thing unique is copied and that's what They Came Out After Dark did.  Oops!  Did I say too much... ?

     Once the action begins, it's pretty good but it still felt off.  It was unique in who was behind who and how, but everything else about the story just didn't do it for me.  I tried to research the author but didn't find much.  Many other readers love his work- maybe I need to look into his other books, but I won't delve any deeper into this series.  The book is okay- not the best nor the worst.  If you're a Chris Ward fan, I apologize for nothing!

The Hearts We Mend by Katheryn Springer

        This was my first Kathryn Springer book and my first visit to Banister Falls,  If you know me, you know I usually take my love and romance with a bit of zombification, alien intrusion or ghostly possession.  Yet whenever there's a fireman involved, I tend to get a bit squishy.  In this tale, Evie Bennett is a 25-year old widow and single mom.  She's also the Women's Ministry Director, so she's used to telling women how they need to step out on faith and be bold about it.  She's a woman in control and knows what to expect... until she meets Jack.

     I'm going to tell you- it's hard to find a man like this!  Jack Vale put everyone above himself and so Godly, I was nearing jealousy! The story is fun, loving, and emotion-provoking.  Springer wrote the story so well, I was in the trenches of their relationship with them!  This story is unbelievable and made me wonder if the first book is just as good?

     The theme of being able to walk away from the past and move with confidence into God's planned future for us was felt and understood- a theme we all look to apply in our lives.  I truly appreciated  the gentleness and loved how realistic the characters were, even if some men are dreamy.  I may be adding the first book to my library!  For a romance, this book is IT!  I don't think I've ever given a romance novel 5 specs before, but there's always the first time- Now!  
​On to the next book!