Shelley Lee Riley's Blog: https://shelleyleeriley.com/my-thoughts/, page 3

Hush Hush - by Becca Fitzpatrick

I said that I would not review a bad book. I said it right here on this blog. Still, I couldn't resist. So here goes.

While checking out what avid readers are saying on the Facebook group YA Fantasy Addicts, I came across several gushing recommendations for Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. 

I checked it out on Amazon, and I found that eighty-six percent of the more than 2200 reviews rated it four stars or higher. Well, all right then, rubbing my hands together, I settled in for a fun read. 

Page after page, I kept waiting for the fun to begin. Unfortunately, I was destined to be disappointed. Even after I'd realized I was bored, I persevered through one unrealistic scene after another. The boys rolling around on the filthy pool room floor, play fighting. Really? Just so we can rip Patch's shirt to reveal a clue? A v-shape scar on his back. Oh, I get it. He must have had his wings cut off. Right? I kept reading. I mean, really, with twenty-two hundred reviews? It's got to get better.

So at the point when our less than brilliant protagonist is peeling off her puffy cold-weather coat in freezing weather and using it as payment for directions from a bag lady. I say, are you kidding me? Enough. End of transmission. There are too many good books waiting to be read.

Bottom line, silly, boring, and dull. How do books like this get so many five star reviews? 

Shelley Lee Riley - Author of Into Madness Book One of the Born From Stone Saga and Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure, a memoir about a horse with two names.

Identity Revealed - J.M. Butler

This entry within the vast landscape of fantasy offerings has left me in a bit of a quandary. To read or not to read book two. 

Let’s start with why I was attracted to this book. It wasn’t the ebook cover. However, I do like the paperback cover.  Still, the cover art did give me insight into what kind of story I would be reading. There’s a pretty, adult woman, dressed in adventurous looking clothes. She’s holding a glowing orb, and dragons are frolicking in the background. So...fantasy. I like fantasy.

What really drew me to the look inside feature was the fact that there were only thirty-five ratings. Remember, I said I would try to ferret out a good read from those titles buried within the impenetrable jungle of Amazon listings. 

Once inside, I found the first line engaging. “Laughter sounded in the distance, breaking the quiet summer afternoon.” Now granted, if I’d been writing this line, I would have added ‘of the’ before the word summer, and thus breaking the quiet, rather than the summer afternoon.  

Still, I understood what the writer meant when she began writing the scene, and the sentence made me curious about what caused the laughter. So I read on.

As you know, I’m not particularly eager to write spoilers, so let’s start with a small section from the marketing blurb. “Cursed and isolated, young princess Amelia lives with one goal: to rescue her people from an invading army. Her family is captured, the royal court slaughtered, and her people imprisoned, but she’s trained night and day to defeat the army’s shapeshifting warlord, Naatos. There’s only one problem: if she ever kills someone, she will die.”

Well, that’s intriguing. She’ll die if she kills? And yet, she has to defeat a shapeshifting warlord. What kind of skills do you need to accomplish this? So I read on.

I finished the book. Did I like it? Hmmm? I finished it.  

Among other things I dislike, and will always make me uncomfortable, are plots that attempt to manipulate me into thinking that killing is acceptable as long as it furthers the goal. In this case, world domination for the good of the minions they plan to conquer. I also find unpronounceable names tend to stop me and drop me out of the story. This book is full of them.

There were also some interesting references to sex, though there were no sexual acts in this book, like the word ‘feshatoon.’ Which was cringe-worthy for me. So, if you're expecting descriptive episodes of 'feshatooning,' you'll need to look elsewhere. 

Character development was spotty. Still, when the author got it right, it really worked. In particular, WroOth is charming, funny, and loyal. Then there is AaQar, who is circumspect and reasonable as he deals with his deeply tortured soul. And Naatos is simply unredeemable. 

The unfortunate part is that the main protagonist is a relatively bland, vanilla character. 

In conclusion, while there were issues, which other reviewers have pointed out. . . I finished the book! And in my opinion, this book should have been marketed as a young adult fantasy romance. It is not high fantasy by any stretch of the imagination. It might have received more attention if it had been listed as YA.

I think this author has real talent and should get better as she continues to write. Her prose is exuberant, like a child skipping when they could walk. Her enthusiasm is as evident as if a smile had been inscribed onto the page.

So, in answer to my conundrum? Should I read the second book? Yes, I will read the second book. In fact, I’ve already started it, and I’m glad I did. 

Pre-posting update—I couldn’t finish the series. Naatoss, the main love interest, could easily be compared to Leatherface from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre films. 

I’m sorry, at least for me, even in a hate to love plot line, the love interest cannot be irredeemable. Even though there is a secondary love interest in the character, Shon, Amelia still begins to have feelings for Naatos, even when he's covered in blood following a session of slaughtering. 

Shelley Lee Riley, author of: The debut YA fantasy novel Into Madness, Book One of the Born From Stone Saga. The memoir, Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure

Plucked From Obscurity

As most Indie authors know, getting your books before the reader who's looking for the type of book you've written is challenging, if not impossible. 

I wouldn't know where to begin to explain how the Amazon search algorithms work. But let's suppose an author's debut fantasy novel is listed somewhere within fifty-thousand listings that are spread over four-hundred pages of a targeted Amazon search. In that case, the book's thumbnail's chances of being seen by the casual reader searching within a specific genre are not good. Have you ever tried to get past page twenty-six in the results?

But I know of one thing that does help if only marginally, reader reviews. With the odds so stacked against the Indie author from the start, even if someone stumbles across a little-known debut novel, a small number of reviews will suggest there must be a reason, and they'll move on. 

So, I asked myself, why am I reviewing the books that already have hundreds, even thousands of reviews? Those authors don't need my review. Especially since they probably already have an agent, a big publishing house and all the apparatus Amazon has to offer behind them. Now that's not saying there aren't Indie authors who have enjoyed success. Still, they tend to be the exception.

There are many reasons why people turn to a book. To gain knowledge, escape reality, relax, spiritual enrichment, entertainment, and more. I heard an interesting line in a movie I recently watched. One character was stunned that the other didn't like to read. And what she said went more or less like this; "How could you pass up the opportunity to live a thousand lives?" I would add to that, "and miss out on untold adventures."

Therefore, I have determined to find a few of those gems buried so deep within the search results they live in a constant state of obscurity. And then I will sift through them and see if I can find something I want to read all the way through to the very last page. Finally, if worthy, I will review it. I am not going to read nor review books that don't engage me immediately. 

I will start with the cover and why it attracted me to look inside. Next, I will discuss the opening line, arguably the most important thing to keep me reading.  

And finally, in some cases, I will try to contact the author and ask them if they are willing to answer a few questions. 

Shelley Lee Riley - Author of the debut fantasy novel; Into Madness Book One in the Born From Stone Saga. And the memoir; Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure

OBSIDIAN — (A Lux Novel-Book One) by Jennifer L. Armentro...

OBSIDIAN — (A Lux Novel-Book One) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Following my not so favorable review of Shadows, the prequel to the Lux Series, and as I mentioned in my review, I didn't care for it. Still, as I read the sneak peek of Obsidian, I liked what I saw, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

Suffice it to say, if you liked Twilight, you are going to like Obsidian. Same...well, similar enough to draw comparisons. A teenage girl is moved to a small town by her parent. The hot guy next door turns out not to be just a hot guy. Oh boy, he is so much more than eye candy.

Still, there are differences. Keeping in mind this story was written for a particular age group. In my opinion, you can forgive the author for its lack of sophistication. 

I don't think the book is worth going into a lot of detail, so I'll just say I liked it, and I don't care if it has similarities to Twilight. I finished it, and not always something I do with every book I pick up. Added to that, I was encouraged enough to read the next book in the series. So it couldn't have been that bad, right?

Shelley Lee Riley - Author of Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure and the debut fantasy novel - Into Madness.

Shadows—A Lux Novel by Jennifer Armentrout

     I like YA, and I have recently published a debut novel in this genre. So when I was encouraged to read this well-received series, I felt I should start with the ‘Shadows’ novella, a prequel of sorts. The author penned it to introduce Dawson and Bethany, two characters that affect the book’s plot. Her intent is clear. She wants ‘Shadows’ to replace the tedious back story in Obsidian, the first book in her Lux series. 
     I get it. Unfortunately, I was not too fond of it. It went on and on about how beautiful Dawson and Bethany found each other. That there was a certain amount of insecurity in finding each other so attractive. Then there were the secrets. And how these secrets could affect their budding relationship in a negative way. Not that there were any gargoyles hidden in Bethany’s closet just waiting to be revealed. Bethany is pretty but not gorgeous, and she is a good artist. But other than Dawson telling his siblings that she’s a “really good” painter, there is nothing inserted to make us find this talent of hers remarkable. Dawson has green eyes, dark hair, has great abs, is not as good a fighter as his brother, and other than the fact he’s a glowing alien…Yawn! 
     I think the fundamental problem is there’s no real plot. There were no shared obstacles to overcome, other than the whole relationship-building process. There wasn’t a story arc to speak of, characters are introduced, and then there’s a repetitive narrative of Bethany and Dawson getting to know each other. This bonding goes on and on for the largest part of the book. The action picks up when the author throws Bethany off a cliff, followed by the horror-struck Dawson breathing new life into Bethany. But, from the cliff to the end of the story barely covers a heartbeat, just a few page fillers. And in a rushed together, lightly narrated confrontation with the story’s antagonists, she leaves us to believe Bethany and Dawson have both died. 
     Ah, but I don’t believe it, and worse, at this point, I don’t really care if they died. I can cry over someone losing their pet goldfish, and yet I felt nothing after this scene. Ms. Armentrout never managed to get me to care about these two vanilla characters. The writing wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t good either, and it needed another edit. There were just a few awkward sentences throughout. They did hang me up. 
     So I guess that spells doom, as far as me buying the next book in the series...right? Wrong! Included with my e-book version was a preview chapter of Obsidian. I wasn’t going to read it; I felt those few minutes of my life could be better spent walking my dog, Nigel. And then I thought, what the hey, after all, I did pay for the whole thing. And besides, it was too hot out for a walk. So I read it. OMG! I Loved it! I went to Amazon to see if the preview pages were longer, and it was. Two chapters were in the preview. I loved them! I was cranky when I couldn’t read the next page. I wanted it now, and I wanted to keep reading. I tried the library. Somebody had checked it out. I went to the half priced book store. They didn’t have it. So I bought the e-book version. I will let you know if the rest of the book is as engaging as the first two chapters were. 
     In conclusion, I can’t believe the same author wrote both Shadows and Obsidian. If my experience gives a clue, I would say Shadows is not going to encourage people to read the series, just the opposite. Readers who have already read and loved the series will like it no matter what, as loyal fans tend to be more forgiving...at least for a while. 
Take care and keep reading. Remember, you're never alone if you have a good book to keep you company. Shelley Lee Riley

November 17, 2020

Today I'm excited to report that the author George Cramer has posted an interview with me on his blog. So if you're interested in a little insight as to what came after the Triple Crown for me, check it out at https://gdcramer.com/2020/11/17/shell...

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Book Four: A...

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin 

Book Four: A Feast for Crows

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Theme: Power, politics, repression, survival, class, good versus evil and so much more.

Welcome,

Finally, I’ve slogged through nearly 4000 pages of mayhem, treachery, betrayal, and death. Thank goodness it’s over…but wait, there’s more. Book five? I don’t think so, I bought the first four in a boxed set, and I persevered until I finished the last page.

When I set this book down, I reflected on the series as a whole, and I realized I couldn’t think of one incident in the entire four-book set where the author made me feel good about anything. I don’t want to beat this donkey to death, but there is no one to like, and there is not one character I can latch onto as a hero or heroine. I don’t want to be part of their fellowship; I don’t want to get involved in their lives on any level, and there doesn’t seem to be any goal beyond surviving another horrifying twenty-four hour period.

Every time I find a character I might be able to like, or pity or care about. They die, get maimed or turn out to have a poisonous side, one which makes the character no better than anyone of the dozens of treacherous, disloyal, and villainous people that populate every volume. 

Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man and woman is front and center at all times. Not only do these characters kill and maim, they feel thoroughly entitled to do so, and without any compunction. 
So why did I read all four books? Why would I subject myself to 4000 pages of misery? Since I can’t answer those questions, I can only assume I need professional help. Was I hoping at some point Mr. Martin would bring me some joy, that the last stale cookie in the box would be sweet and fresh? 

Fool me once, twice, three, four and no more. Thank you very much, I appreciate that you put a lot into these books Mr. Martin, but I’m so depressed now that I don’t think I could endure another. Besides how can there be enough people left in the ravaged kingdoms, to plant, harvest and produce food. Seems to me, winter is coming and there are only killers, connivers and villains left.

I headed out to find a good comedy to cleanse my palate, bring back my joy and remind me that the sun will come up tomorrow.

Review by Shelley Riley author of Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure.

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Bo...

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Book Four: A Feast for CrowsGenre: Epic FantasyTheme: Power, politics, repression, survival, class, good versus evil and so much more.

Welcome,

Finally, I’ve slogged through nearly 4000 pages of mayhem, treachery, betrayal, and death. Thank goodness it’s over…but wait, there’s more. Book five? I don’t think so, I bought the first four in a boxed set, and I persevered until I finished the last page.

When I set this book down, I reflected on the series as a whole, and I realized I couldn’t think of one incident in the entire four-book set where the author made me feel good about anything. I don’t want to beat this donkey to death, but there is no one to like, and there is not one character I can latch onto as a hero or heroine. I don’t want to be part of their fellowship; I don’t want to get involved in their lives on any level, and there doesn’t seem to be any goal beyond surviving another horrifying twenty-four hour period.

Every time I find a character I might be able to like, or pity or care about. They die, get maimed or turn out to have a poisonous side, one which makes the character no better than anyone of the dozens of treacherous, disloyal, and villainous people that populate every volume. 

Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man and woman is front and center at all times. Not only do these characters kill and maim, they feel thoroughly entitled to do so, and without any compunction. 
So why did I read all four books? Why would I subject myself to 4000 pages of misery? Since I can’t answer those questions, I can only assume I need professional help. Was I hoping at some point Mr. Martin would bring me some joy, that the last stale cookie in the box would be sweet and fresh? 

Fool me once, twice, three, four and no more. Thank you very much, I appreciate that you put a lot into these books Mr. Martin, but I’m so depressed now that I don’t think I could endure another. Besides how can there be enough people left in the ravaged kingdoms, to plant, harvest and produce food. Seems to me, winter is coming and there are only killers, connivers and villains left.

I headed out to find a good comedy to cleanse my palate, bring back my joy and remind me that the sun will come up tomorrow.

Review by Shelley Riley author of Casual Lies - A Triple Crown Adventure.

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Book One thr...

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin

Book One through Three: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords.

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Theme: Power, politics, repression, survival, class, good versus evil and so much more.

Welcome,

As an avid follower of the HBO series Game of Thrones, I feel the producers have done a great job adapting Mr. Martin's books into an entertaining TV series. As far as the music, the screenwriting, the casting, and special effects go—I wouldn’t change a thing.

They've stayed true to the original work in most areas. In particular, just as it is in the novels, any character that starts out looking like a protagonist, will either be killed or do something despicable.

Several years ago I wrote reviews on the first three books in the series A Song of Fire and Ice, and I found it interesting to take a look back at these reviews. Generally, by the third book in any series I read, I've become so familiar with the characters, that there's very little that the author can do to surprise me. Such is not the case with George R. R. Martin, there are lots of shocking incidents, horrific in fact. While on the other hand, something you can count on is a never-changing malevolent atmosphere that permeates every page.

Here is my old review:

Always on the lookout for a good fantasy, and after I watched several episodes of Game of Thrones on HBO, I went to Amazon and bought the four-book boxed set of A Song of Fire and Ice.

Even though the overall atmosphere is dark and dreary in the world that Mr. Martin has created. There is an overabundance of; cruelty, jealousy, deviousness, hatred, disloyalty, unhappiness etcetera. So, if that was what I was looking for, how could I ever be disappointed?

I admire the author for the complexity of the world he has developed. But at this point in the series, I've come to realize that I’m not emotionally invested with any of the characters—with the possible exception of Tyrion and isn’t he supposed to be an antagonist?

The characters are spread all over the place, and nobody seems to be working together. I'm left to ask, where is the fellowship? The camaraderie. The common goal?

I’m astounded when I see comments in other reviews saying A Song of Fire and Ice is; "Way better than Lord of the Rings." Is it better than The Lord of the Rings? The sound you hear is gales of laughter. Comparing A Song of Fire and Ice to The Lord of the Rings is like comparing a mustang to Secretariat.

Would I recommend this series? Yes, I would. Do I love it? No, I only like it.

Rating—I find it hard to rate these three novels. My next review, which covers A Feast for Crows will reveal why that is. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Shelley Lee Riley

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Book On...

A Song of Fire and Ice — George R. R. Martin Book One through Three: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords.Genre: Epic FantasyTheme: Power, politics, repression, survival, class, good versus evil and so much more.
Welcome,
As an avid follower of the HBO series Game of Thrones, I feel the producers have done a great job adapting Mr. Martin's books into an entertaining TV series. As far as the music, the screenwriting, the casting, and special effects go—I wouldn’t change a thing.
They've stayed true to the original work in most areas. In particular, just as it is in the novels, any character that starts out looking like a protagonist, will either be killed or do something despicable.
Several years ago I wrote reviews on the first three books in the series A Song of Fire and Ice, and I found it interesting to take a look back at these reviews. Generally, by the third book in any series I read, I've become so familiar with the characters, that there's very little that the author can do to surprise me. Such is not the case with George R. R. Martin, there are lots of shocking incidents, horrific in fact. While on the other hand, something you can count on is a never-changing malevolent atmosphere that permeates every page.
Here is my old review:
Always on the lookout for a good fantasy, and after I watched several episodes of Game of Thrones on HBO, I went to Amazon and bought the four-book boxed set of A Song of Fire and Ice.
Even though the overall atmosphere is dark and dreary in the world that Mr. Martin has created. There is an overabundance of; cruelty, jealousy, deviousness, hatred, disloyalty, unhappiness etcetera. So, if that was what I was looking for, how could I ever be disappointed?
I admire the author for the complexity of the world he has developed. But at this point in the series, I've come to realize that I’m not emotionally invested with any of the characters—with the possible exception of Tyrion and isn’t he supposed to be an antagonist?
The characters are spread all over the place, and nobody seems to be working together. I'm left to ask, where is the fellowship? The camaraderie. The common goal?
I’m astounded when I see comments in other reviews saying A Song of Fire and Ice is; "Way better than Lord of the Rings." Is it better than The Lord of the Rings? The sound you hear is gales of laughter. Comparing A Song of Fire and Ice to The Lord of the Rings is like comparing a mustang to Secretariat.
Would I recommend this series? Yes, I would. Do I love it? No, I only like it. Rating—I find it hard to rate these three novels. My next review, which covers A Feast for Crows will reveal why that is. 
Thank you for stopping by,

Shelley Lee Riley