So many books....

As a reader, I think it's vital to read, and I do, many, many titles. Here are only a few of those I've enjoyed this year (in no particular order).


Evil Never Dies: The Spider - Book 2 Kindle Edition

https://books2read.com/u/me75Dr



I enjoyed book one The Spider, so I knew this follow-up would be just as good.

My review:

I'd read book one of The Spider so knew this would be another good read - I wasn't disappointed.

This story is a mix of reality, relationships and human behaviour, with a thread of the chilling paranormal. Because of the former, the latter seems more real, thus making it even more chilling.

This author has the knack of delving into what people do and the mess they can make of their lives, and the tangled web cleverly demonstrates this.

Talking of webs, there is, of course, the paranormal aspect to the tale, where evil is exposed - no spoilers. I will just say that perhaps lessons are learned, or not.

It's well-written with a dramatic atmosphere, stark reality alongside the creepy. As for the additional graphics...shudder.

***

I also discovered some new authors, Michael Robertson being one. I have read just about all of his work now, but my favourite series was Beyond These Walls; a post-apocalyptic story.

Here is the box set of the first six (although, I have read the whole series) -



https://books2read.com/u/bOXlwK

My review:

I have reviewed each story separately, so will just say the first six books are excellent reads from page one.

With well-developed characters, a great sense of place and world-building, in addition to a brilliant plot, all indeed make for a page-turner.

I liked the writing style (except for the break in flow with Oxford commas in lists and 'me either' instead of 'me neither). I was surprised that a British author would make the American error, especially with the latter. There were a couple of typos but nothing major. The rest, though, was superb.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed all the parts - the good and the evil; each a perfect foil for the other.

Highly recommended.

***

T. C. Edge
Children Of The Prime box set



https://books2read.com/u/47lLw7

My review:

This is an excellent series and though I have reviewed each story separately, I will just say that overall, each story develops characters, plot and world-building brilliantly.

There are typos and grammatical errors, however, the writing style is swift and flows extremely well. Plenty of action mixes with thoughts and feelings, bringing depth and reality to each story.

Entertaining, enjoyable and highly recommended.

***

Iain Rob Wright

I managed to receive some freebies from this author and all six I've read so far are thought-provoking for sure (and one has actually been banned). However, my favourite so far is 12 Steps because it really honed in on human behaviour and was realistic.



https://books2read.com/u/4A7XMJ

My review:

I was given this book and I thought it was a great suspense story - not what I had expected and that's always good in my experience.

It's an AA meeting and yet...

Believable characters, a twisty plot and good writing made for a compelling read. One annoyance was the use of the phrase 'off of' instead of 'from' or just 'off' - this did surprise me because the author is British and it's usually Americans that use this poor wordage.

However, this tale was cleverly done and entertaining.

Recommended.

***

Katy Huth Jones has long been a favourite author of mine and I've recently managed to continue reading the He Who Finds Mercy series, which continues to a second series Mercy's Children.

Although, I'm not a believer in any god, I've really enjoyed this fantasy series (I'm currently reading Dolan's Bride), despite the references to the Most High. It's very well done and I've loved every story.

Here is the first in the series -



https://books2read.com/u/38RAlZ

My review:

A truly wonderful tale filled with enchantment, battles and dragons.

Being the second son, Prince Valerian thinks his life is set, but things are about to change.

Mercy, a young girl from the Brethren is also changed by shocking events.

That's it, as I don't give spoilers. However, I will say that this well-written fantasy had me hooked from the beginning keeping my interest until the end. It has all the ingredients a reader enjoys with themes such as good v evil, love, intrigue and mystery.

The characters are believable - both good and bad - and develop well throughout the story. It will be interesting to see how things move on in book two - yes, that is my next read.

Overall, great storytelling.

Enjoyable and highly recommended.

***

Paul Teague - the author's name for his fantasy books. Paul J. Teague for his crime thrillers. Both genres are very well done.

The Complete Sci-Fi Collection


https://books2read.com/u/3GAlJr

The Complete Thriller Collection


https://books2read.com/u/31Yn96

I have reviewed each book and box set separately. Certainly recommended reads.

***

Edward W. Robertson

I've read many of this author's work but my favourite is the Breakers series - the first book is free, though be warned, you will probably want to continue.



https://books2read.com/u/4NXlVo

My review:

This was a well written story about a plague that sweeps the world...but there's more.

The characters were developed and interesting, and the two storylines fitted the whole extremely well. I enjoyed the humour of the dialogue, especially between Raymond and Mia, and Walt's caustic way of thinking.

There were plenty of unanswered questions - possibly resolved in the following books?

Overall, an enjoyable, entertaining and thought-provoking story.

Highly recommended.

***

Well, that's it for now. Of course, there are hundreds more books that I've enjoyed but time is against me in this post.

Maybe you will enjoy these stories as much as I have.

Happy New Year