Samyann's Blog, page 46

Revival by Stephen King – Audiobook Review

Remember the TV series called St. Elsewhere? It was a weekly drama in the 80s surrounding the exploits of several medical personnel at a Boston hospital. One of the stars was David Morse, who played a doctor. Never understood why that series went kaput, it was one of the better ones on TV at the time. At any rate, Morse is the narrator for Revival, and he does a good job. Just the right tone for this novel, a hide-behind-the-couch thriller by Stephen King.

Typical of King, Revival is long winded, wordy. The center of the book could be pared down by a few hundred pages. Also typical of King, the writing, turns of phrase, etc., are creative and superb.

What happens after death is a question asked by mankind since the advent of time itself. Nobody knows, that is unless you have been there and come back, or have religious beliefs to convey certainty. Speculation abounds. King appears to question his own convictions through his character, some interesting perspective and reading. He does take a dark and ominous view in Revival, which one can expect. Far from uplifting, Revival chronicles a small town pastor’s loss of faith, his obsession to answer the mysterious question: what happens?. Pastor Jacobs loses his wife and young son to a tragic highway accident and spends the remainder of his life in a quest to understand. Tagging along through the pages is Jamie, through who’s point of view we learn. No spoiler. If you enjoy Stephen King, you’ll find this story is back to the basics, I think, ergo you’ll be entertained.

 

The Branches of Time by Luca Rossi – eBook Review

This story starts with heart-thumping action on the first page. As a reader, all I could think is, ‘Wow, where can he go from this?’ Well, hold-on, because he keeps going. The Branches of Time is a thrill ride of good and evil. Characters are well rounded, empathetic, colorful. Action is tense and for a fantasy novel, believable situations.

Only a couple of hesitations in giving a 5-star rating, one being character perspective. In some instances, I had to re-read or read forward to determine point of view. But, overall, a great and creative story. As has been said before, ‘story trumps all.’; some obvious head-hopping could all be related in some manner to translation or English not being a first language.  Second, punctuation and format, but hey, small stuff. At approximately 160 pages, The Branches of Time is easily read in one sitting, but not easily read only once; a cliff hanging ending. You’ll pour over this a few times. Some adult content, so would not recommend for youngsters.

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Calculated Risk by K. S. Ferguson – eBook Review

At just over 225 pages, Calculated Risk isn’t a long book, it can easily be read in one or two sittings. But, don’t start late at night, because you’ll be up into wee hours with this page-turning, well written mystery.

The fact that the setting is outer space is intriguing and fun to imagine, but the story is a mystery that supersedes place. I’m a sucker when it comes to the full mix in a novel. Lot’s of description, dialogue, and an unusual locale. Calculated Risk has it all. You’ll be right out there in deep space. Even though one would think this is SciFi, which it is, I guess … it’s a collage of Agatha Christie and Orson Scott Card or maybe Ray Bradbury. What fun!

This tale grabs your interest right away … beginning with a swashbuckling sword fight that you soon learn is not life and death, but Rafe, well … being Rafe. A charismatic male lead with a tragic past. Kama is a strong female lead  providing titillating tension with Rafe … secondary to the fact that she is a talented computer hacker. Together the two take the reader through life threatening danger (Imagine a ‘hull-breach’ or ‘bomb’ in outer space – yikes!), corporate intrigue mixed with deep space, mixed with murder and attempted murder. Combine this with several passages and lines you’ll pause to re-read, poetic prose – phrases a pleasure to savor. What’s not to love! Enjoyed this story, recommended.

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Mystical Emona by Ronessa Aveela – eBook Review

At just over 430 pages, Mystical Emona is an incredible journey in many ways, not just story. One aspect that will enchant anyone who purchases this story is poetic prose. There are other reviews to read that will address story and character. My take will be a little different. This is a story of mysticism with passages that are simply awesome and you’ll need to remind yourself that this is actually a novel. Example: Wild, raging seas, like galloping horses, tearing along the rocky shore. Or this one: The trees whispered their message, sending it gliding from limb to limb into the depths of the forest. Mystical Emona is not simply a novel, it’s also a book of poetry to savor.

Ergo, the story took me much longer than usual to read, in that I had to go back and re-read a passage or sentence, just to enjoy the phrasing.

You’ll take your time with this story, because you want to. Bonus? It won’t be difficult. Terrific descriptions, in addition to an intriguing story. Enjoy!

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And yet another Yesterday Review!

 Yesterday, November 26, 2014
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation (Kindle Edition)
Having been the owner of many cats throughout the years, I loved the opening line of this novel. The cat and Mary, although not the major characters, are probably my favorites. The cat was, well, a typical cat. No need to explain if you’ve ever had one or more. And Mary was such a colorful character who gets your attention right away with the outrageous things she says. I can relate to her and her “twisted mind.” The two main characters were more your standard male/female romance novel characters, but both were people could get to know and empathize with.

But that’s not all that I liked about the novel. I am a fan of description, and the author makes excellent use of the five senses in her descriptions and actions. Most writers stick with seeing and hearing only. It also shows that the author did extensive research and included interesting aspects of the “past” lives (such a candle making). I knew little about Past Life Therapy before reading this book, but the author made this topic clear and alive and interesting as she wove it into the story.

…by RC

Yesterday Review – Yea!!

 Beautiful love story with a remarkable twist!, November 24, 2014
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation (Kindle Edition)
The way this story unfolds will pull you in, break your heart, and leave you filled with hope. The feeling of these two characters falling in love will stay with you long after you finish the book. I was rooting for them from page one.

The backdrop to this story is Chicago, past and present, and the author does such an amazing job of bringing it to life. It felt as authentic and real to me as the last time I visited in person.

The historical romance intertwined with modern day gave a rare depth to the story. The vernacular and historical details of the past are handled with care and the ease of moving between the two stories is masterful.

Part love story, part mystery, this novel will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next!

By 

teamlb

Bringer of Light Book One by J. R. Boles – eBook Review

Years ago, I read several SciFi books penned by Orson Scott Card. Although not my preferred genrè, and the Ender series is completely different than Bringer of Light, I was immediately struck by amazing world-building. Card’s ability to suspend your beliefs and immerse you into another environment is riveting. This is also the case with J. R. Boles. The cinematic descriptions in Bringer of Light are enchanting and lovely prose.

Regarding characters, dewey-eyed submissives are not allowed in the female leads in Bringer of Light, thank you very much! But, and this is a great aspect of this story, the author doesn’t have an in-your-face feminist attitude in any character. Most of the women are are strong, capable, and in the world built by Boles assume no less. However, the lead is beautifully vulnerable, when appropriate for the story. Just great character development.

Stephen King is a believer that writing consists of three major elements: narration, description and dialogue. (On Writing published around 2007?) Bringer of Light has all that, to a degree unexpected from a new author.

Evil, death, fierce loyalty, love, a torture scene that will make you cringe, a conquering goodness, much, much more … and most fun of all … magic! Bringer of Light is a page-turner you will find difficult to put down. If  you start reading in the evening, be prepared to stay up too late … I did. Enjoyed!!

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Skinny & short U.S.President – Who knew?

James Madison (1751-1836) was the shortest president of the United States, standing at only 5’4”. He never weighed more than 100 pounds.

Huh.

One Mississippi by Mark Childress – Audiobook Review

One Mississippi is about thirteen hours of listening, read by Jeff Woodman. It’s a coming of age tale. The reading by Woodman, albeit a heartfelt, creative effort, is very distracting … with singing throughout … ugh. The fact that the audiobook has an average rating of 4 stars has me puzzled … it’s not that good … plus, about twice as many audiobook reviews as the other formats. The story arc isn’t very well focused in that there are many side issues to the main thrust, which is a couple of guys romping through  juvenile mechanicalness and angst as they squirm or lie their way around guilt. There are several reviews that rave, several that pan, several readers think the book is hilarious. Frankly, I don’t fit into any pigeon hole on this tale, unless there is a category for ‘indifference’.  With One Mississippi I did learn something, though. If you are local to Mississippi, you call it: Missippi. Appears I’m not much help to potential readers, in that this review is very vague. So is the book. Not impressed. 

 

Timbuktu by Paul Auster – Audiobook Review

Timbuktu is just under six hours of listening, read by Joe Barrett. The story is written from the point of view of a dog, Mr. Bones. The dog is not a lovely Labrador Retriever, as pictured on the cover. Mr. Bones is a Heinz variety, of unknown heritage. That said, the story of a dog’s loyalty is a fun read (listen). The dog’s owner, Willie Christmas, of somewhat questionable character, is dying. The two converse … well, Mr. Bones ’thinks’, Willie talks. But, Mr. Bones understands pretty much everything said and has his own doggie interpretations. The tale progresses through Mr. Bones’ thoughts as he and Willie  journey to Boston and someone Willie hopes will take care of Mr. Bones when the grim reaper calls. Any dog lover will get a bang out of this unique perspective. Got this audiobook via one of Audible.com’s Daily Deals. Enjoyed.