A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 79

Contamination: Books 0-3 by T. W. Piperbrook

          As you know, I am a zombie fan.  Fan addict.  Fanatic? Obsessed?  These Z's aren't the norm.  They sometimes eat you, sometimes just shred you to pieces.  They're different, a hideous visage and able to open doors, run, and do major, body damage.  Contamination, Books 0-3 by T. W. Piperbrook is about those zombies
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     The story is brought to us by our friendly, neighborhood government.  They've created something that's so heinous and... well, crazy, that it could just possibly happen.  This disease isn't like most zombie infestations.  These guys are fast and can do some serious damage- quickly.    

     The entire box-set is good.  It's different and the narrator, Troy Duran is pretty good.  He's an excellent reader who doesn't bore you.  He gives you voices that make the story worth while and keeps everything spiced just right, from the beginning with Frank in the jail cell to the last word in the series.  You will find the 13 hours and about thirty minutes very much worth while.  I managed to get this ebook set for a special price: $1.99, from Audible.com, so grab it while you can!  It's very entertaining!  Grab a few snacks, an iced, cold drink and some headphones.  You're in for a ride!

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

     I've read many books in my life.  Some were award-winning and some were one hit wonders.  Many are still on shelves while others have faded from print.  I've always found some sort of appreciation in a book- even if the story was dull, bland or just silly.  The reason I warped the cover of this book's review is because this book, The Library at Mount Char is warped.  

     Scott Hawkins, the author of books like Apache and Linus, is known for book of instruction; they feed your mind on How-To's.  In my opinion, I think Mr. Hawkins should stick to the informational department.  His dive into fiction was well written and heavily thought out, but some of the weirdest stuff I've EVER had the pleasure of reading!  I was lost from the very first chapter!

The Synopsis:
A missing God.
A library with the secrets to the universe. 
A woman too busy to notice her heart slipping away.
Carolyn's not so different from the other people around her. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. Clothes are a bit tricky, but everyone says nice things about her outfit with the Christmas sweater over the gold bicycle shorts. 
After all, she was a normal American herself once. 
That was a long time ago, of course. Before her parents died. Before she and the others were taken in by the man they called Father.      From the very first page, you find yourself in a state of confusion.  There's no set up to the story, you're just tossed into tumultuous waters, like a father cruelly teaching his child to swim.  The story literally left you in a state of wonder till the end.  Don't get me wrong, the story does explain some things, but not enough for me to ever say, "Oh wow, yeah... okay!"  Nah, I never felt that way.   I literally walked away from this book looking like Captain Picard.

I don't usually say this, but I didn't care for this one.  No offense to the author, he's a great writer, it's just what he wrote didn't suit me.  On to the next read!

Gabriel: Zero Point by Steve Amsted

                                                                                                         *Audiobook Review    
 I love a good super soldier story- say that six times!  
The summary:
Evan Gabriel wasn't always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces...and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever. 
Zero Point tells the tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials. Fans of the series will see part of the mysterious past Evan Gabriel carries with him, while listeners new to the series get a preview of what is to come in a military man's haunted life. Zero Point is the true beginning of Evan Gabriel, and his story is just getting started.

     First, I'd have chosen a better cover, but this is the cover of the audiobook and not the actual book series, that I hadn't known existed until I found this audiobook.  Now the actual book- magnificent!  So this story is the introduction to Evan and how he became the a Naval Special Forces Officer.  His steely demeanor and unbelievable focus has made him number one, but at a cost...
     I haven't read the series, but it's on my list to read, hopefully this year, since I'm focusing on knocking out as many book series reads as possible.  I liked this listen- a lot!.  The narrators voice seemed to fit and the story flowed nicely.  There was only one or two spots that got a bit dry, but all in all, I think this may be a good read.  

     The SciFi tech came off as real and nothing happened that was so unbelievable that you found yourself exasperated when the mention of a weapon came up.  It was all futuristic so it was easy to imagine in my mind's eye.  It was pretty cool and exciting.  Especially the character development- you know who Gabriel is, why he is the way he is and how he becomes "The Man!"  
Check this out while I move on to the next book!

Rain: A Zombie Novel by Shaun Harbinger

     *Audiobook Review

     This book was pretty good and funny- but only because the hero was a dork underdog.  Alex, single and trapped in a dead-end job usually spends all of his free time at home, in front of his tv, playing on his game console.  But when he gets with a friend and two girls, with hopes of hooking up with the pretty gal Lucy- he finds himself out of his element: Hiking!  There's no joystick or head-mic for this trip.

     He's out of breath, aching, complaining and behind the rest of his buddies when something blue with yellow eyes attacks him from the woods!  Alex escapes and tries to convince his hiking friends they need to leave and that's when the story gets good!

     Shaun Harbinger, the author of Rain: A Zombie Novel, gave me a bit to enjoy in this book.  First, I loved when there was a phone call or radio broadcast- a tinny voice, with a little static floated into my ears with a British accent- always a positive!  Plus, Alex was like, the average, under achiever guy.  You wanted to see him living with his mother, he was such a loser sort, but he knew about zombies!    He fussed a lot for a while, but he turned out to be cool because of his waste on video games.  I liked it, plus Mike got put in his place-  some friend he was!

     Rain was entertaining but I wasn't crazy about the narrator, Brian Grey wasn't British, let alone Welsh.  It would have been much better.  Grey was also a bit too dramatic with his Capt. Kirk-like pauses that robbed from the seriousness of the situation.  I didn't realize until I'd finished the audio that I also owned the ebook.  Had I realized it, I probably would not have listened to Grey read it and may have liked it more   Who knows?  I also didn't know there was a series of the story!  Yeah, I think I'll be getting the rest.  On to the next book!

Hobnail by Crystal Arbogast

           Hobnail, by Crystal Arbogast, is the shortest horror short I've ever read.  It's not a true horror story; it's more of a campfire tale or one that you tell young's around 8 years of age and up.  It's the sort of story that people say, "Oooo- the girl was right" at the end.  lol
  
​     I know it's not like the usual stories I review, but the short shorts need love too.  Crystal Arbogast doesn't seem to have a website, so I couldn't look up any of her other stories, if there are any, but I sure hope she continues to create.  Her writing style was nice, different from what I've recently read.  I even liked the setting, back, during the Roosevelt era and fighting in Cuba.  Using Mammy instead of Mom, Mother or Momma for that matter.  

​     I enjoyed the story.  Check it out and maybe you will too.  She's got potential and I sure hope to find her elsewhere in the future! Rating:  

The Luptator Series, by Tyler Watkins

     Here's an original series that you will enjoy checking out.  There are three books in the series, but the third hasn't been released yet.  So happy for author, Tyler Watkins.  He's representing Good against Evil and the careful development of a same sex relationships.  Peep the reviews below!      In book one of the series, Wesley is a loner, looking for nothing but a comfortable existence .  He's a bit stand-offish but that's just his nature.  It's not until his graduation day that things turn out to be anything but comfortable.  

     His life has been rearranged and not in a very positive way... or is it?  He's discovered his family, even himself is what's called a Luptator.  They defend people on earth from demons that seek to harm humanity.  They work alongside demons and have powers that allow them to transport to particular places and protection but when the threat comes from someone close to him, he's unsure how to fight it out.  Thankfully, he's not alone!  The fate of the world is in their hands and Wesley has to grow into himself and his powers in order to save those he loves, New York, the world!

     I have to admit, this is an original story.  It's a cool concept and though the characters were linked to demons, they were heroes!  What was difficult in the beginning was the emotional continuity.  Wesley didn't seem to flow as I felt he should have.  I kept finding myself upset with him as he questioned some things that didn't matter, then would be nonchalant the next about the issues he should've been trying to figure out!  Relationships were deep, nearly on first meeting and serious flirting when his parents were still in mortal danger!  Wha?

     but I have to admit, the action was big- huge!  When Stelchi said he was about to bring the pain- He brought it!  He took the entire city into his hands and brought the er'body and they momma!  lol  The city was truly in jeopardy!  I can't say much more because then I'd be giving away SPOILERS and you know how I feel about that!  You have to read it and see.
     
     It's a good, first book for Watkins and I'm ready to jump into the second book.  I'm really looking for in Wesley is a stronger sense of maturity when it comes to his responsiilies- not just Milo.  I want to see him find the opposition and dive in with greater through process and inner strength.  He seemed to be stuck in a state of disbelief and emotions that didn't always fit his surroundings.  He took a while to stand up and get going, but I'm something big is going to happen in book two to change everything.

Broken Dolls by Tyrolin Putty

     Tyrolin Puxty was so kind to deliver to me, all the way from Australia, a copy of this book!  The story kept bringing to mind, the words of Alice from the Wonderland stories, "Curiouser and curiouser..."      

​     This book was totally, unequivocally, masterfully written!  The book deserves 10 specs- I am not kidding!  It was so good! The story is about a small doll, named Ella.  She has no memory of her past; all she wants to do is dance.  She's cared for by a man, known as the professor and lives happily in the attic of his home.

​     It's not until a new doll is added to her peaceful, yet dusty environment that things go awry.  Lisa, the goth doll is angry.  She's emotional, condescending and violent and she knows a truth that can upset everything Ella's ever known.

     This story is 161-pages of adventure!  The ending brings a twist in such a manner that all you can do is rush through the final pages- a bit upset at a character, despondent towards another and terribly sad for one you'd never expected!  I loved it so much- I'll share the story but I won't ever hand the book out for a loan.  This book now holds a special place on my bookshelf, where it will always be bragged upon but never loaned.  You have to read this book.  It's for any aged reader and so imaginative!

London Art Chase by Natalie Grant (Special Children's Review)

     I read this book in a day.  First because it came from one of my book tourings (blogging groups), which take first dibs over my other reads.  Secondly because- well look at the cover, man.  The girls are in London; I had to find out what the deal was.

     This book is  one of the 3-books in the Glimmer Girls series, written by top-selling Christian & Gospel singer, Natalie Grant.  I believe the girls are based on  her own set of twins and youngest daughters, but I could easily be wrong.  Their mother is a singer and dad plays piano and handles business as producer and such. 

     In this tale, Mom (who is never named) is performing in London and the entire family, nanny included, went along.    Describing Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, enjoying tea at the Savoy- all of it made me envious- what a cute story!  But the fun dissipates when the girls, who have  formed their own pretend detective agency, believe they've witnessed someone in white gloves, stealing a portrait from the National Gallery.  They do their best to solve the case!  

     The story is a bit silly, but very innocent and humorous..  My son and I read it together and our biggest problem was, Lulu!  OMGosh- the girl runs away from her family to climb onto the Trafalgar's bronze lions, runs away to point out landmarks- she's loud and dances atop double-decker buses, then asks for change!  The girl was a funny pest, but it made the story fun and we had to admit, we couldn't stop laughing.  LuLu, Maddie and Mia take you on an adventure in a country I dream of visiting.  I think you'll enjoy this middle grade book too. (Read it as a part of family time.)

​     On to the next book!  

The Jester (A Riyria Short Story) by Michael J. Sullivan

                                                                                  *Audiobook Review

     During my adventure for a good listen, I came across this audiobook: The Jester, by Michael J. Sullivan, is a standalone short story.  Can you imagine, a thief, candlemaker, a squeamish pig farmer and an ex-merc working together obtain a treasure?  Especially when they all pretty much don't like one another and they keep finding themselves in trap after trap, after trap!  The story begins with them falling!

     This short is funny and so adventurous.  I love trolls, giants, dwarves and such in a tale.  This book give it all.  It's only about 7,200 words long but you will find yourself caught up instantly.  You will laugh, get irritated, mostly at the pig farmer, and looking for the story to continue once it's ended.

     I am interested and now and must move on to see what happens next.  If you're interested too, just click on his name above.  It'll take you to the site where you'll find two different series and a host of free listening!
On to the next adventure!  

The Photons in the Cheese Are Lost (Obsidian Worlds Anthology) by Jason Werbeloff

Photo belongs to Jason Werbeloff http://tinyurl.com/j2x7wwp      I was gifted with an amazing short story by Jason Werbeloff.  An audiobook from his up-coming anthology, Obsidian Worlds.  Like I said, it's a short story; it is science fiction with a tad bit of horror as well.  AND it's good!  Very good!

     The story is about a guy named Chris, an every day Joe Blow who receives a lot of spam.  But in his case, a fortune!  The things he finds in his spam folder seem to come true- like wishes!  I won't say what he gets or how lucky he is, but everything comes with a cost and I don't give SPOILERS!

     This is an audio-short in a series of short stories that you will definitely enjoy!  Check out Jason Werbeloff; his link can be copied and pasted (below the photo) or you can click on his name in the first sentence of this review.  Go on- click!  lol
On to the next story!