From Long and Short Reviews

Truth-Teller Rebellion by Kenneth D. Schultz

February 4, 2014 by completedreviews Leave a Comment

Truth-Teller Rebellion by Kenneth D. Schultz
Publisher: Burst Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (292 pages)
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

He knows if you’re lying. She knows what you’re feeling.

In 4012, fossil fuels are exhausted and an Ice Age grips the Earth. After their parents are swept away in a flood, visitors reveal to a pair of teenage orphans the truth of their parent’s past, and they soon find themselves running for their lives. Hunted by assassins of the dictator who has invaded their country, Cary and Krin must learn to use the full extent of their powers and uncover the mysteries of their formidable family.

Can an eighteen-year-old truth-teller elude a psychopathic assassin long enough to uncover the secrets of his family’s past and unlock his formidable mental gifts?

It’s hard to know who to trust when your life is at stake and even the good guys have been known to lie about what they know.

The world building in this book first becomes evident by the sometimes odd ways in which the characters speak. Archaic words are effortlessly mixed in with futuristic slang and references to cutting-edge technology. Strictly speaking this isn’t steampunk, but I do see some influence from that genre in the ways in which the characters communicate about certain ideas. It took me a few chapters to adjust to some of their odder uses of syntax, but once I did I really enjoyed learning about how Cary and Krin think in particular based on the types of words they choose to use and how they string them together.

I never quite became comfortable with being introduced to a new scene only for it to end so rapidly. The inclusion of extremely short scenes works well in the introduction because of how quickly the plot heats up, but I would have preferred to have more time to settle into later scenes once various subplots begin to bump into one another.

Mr. Schultz’s scenery descriptions are not to be missed. The earth has changed a great deal over the past few thousand years, and the best passages in this story describe how humanity has adapted to some pretty extreme climate shifts in North America. Enough time has passed that none of these dangers are particularly newsworthy to characters who have never known any other way of life, but as a reader I really enjoyed quietly comparing their world to my own.

There was also a lot of telling instead of showing in this novel. Due to the large cast of characters I certainly wouldn’t expect every thought or emotion to be conveyed to the reader indirectly, but it was difficult to remain invested in what happened to certain individuals when so much of what I know about their personalities come from the author directly telling me what kind of people they are instead of uncovering it for myself.

What I liked most about this book was how intelligently the characters respond to the dangerous situations they find themselves trapped in. I may not have always understood why they made certain choices, but Cary and Krin were written in such a way that they honestly act and sound like two teenagers who grew up herding cattle on the steppes. They know how to react quickly in a crisis and are clearly used to thinking creatively and making the best of their resources.

I would recommend Truth-Teller Rebellion to anyone who has ever read a post-apocalyptic book and wondered how humanity would adjust to such a cataclysmic change in their circumstances over the course of several millennia.

From You Gotta Read Reviews

Title: One Too Many

Author: Arlene Knowell

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Buy Link: Buy One Too Many here!

Rating:  You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Donna

Blurb:

Molly sets out on a weeklong adventure on Aphrodite’s Island, a tropical paradise where fantasies come true. She only wants one thing; a chance with Seth Dailey.

Warned that the fantasy she was in might not always be her own, she soon realizes that Seth has a few fantasies of his own. He is a man with a healthy sexual appetite and is willing to push the fantasy adventure to the limit. What will Seth do when he realizes too late that Molly was hoping for a lifetime with him?

As sexual fantasies fulfill, then collide, Molly flees in hopes of salvaging her pride and her heart. Will Seth set aside the rest of his fantasy for an opportunity to love Molly? Will he continue to enjoy the fantasy of every man? Or will he enjoy the best of both worlds and hope to pick up the pieces?

Review:

Molly is a much more forgiving person than I would ever be! She took a trip to an island getaway to live out her fantasies with the man of her dreams. What she got was humiliation and pain as her dream man had sex with another woman and expected Molly to happily join right in. Uh, I don’t think so!

One Too Many is a very short story, so there is not much room for character development, but we do get a glimpse at the “hero’s” angst and regret. Not enough angst, regret or groveling, in my opinion, but apparently it was enough for Molly because we do get a happy for now ending. There are a few typos in the story, but overall it is an entertaining read.

From Coffee Time Romance and More Reviews

DIRTY WATER
A Nick Sibelius Mystery, Book Two
RICHARD HACKER
ISBN: 9781927454459
June 2013
Champagne Books
www.champagnebooks.com
E Book
$ 4.95
227 pages
Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 3 cups

PI Nick Sibelius is in dire need of money to keep his PI business afloat. Money is the sole reason he takes on Dan Hoyt's vandalism case despite Nick's misgivings.

A simple open and shut case making easy money evolves into a sociopath named Charity hell-bent on ruining Hoyt and killing Nick. Additionally, Hoyt's business partner, Izzy, is delving into unethical practices which may also include betraying a major drug cartel, contaminating Austin's water supply, and killing Hoyt.

Along with his new partner, Theresa, and an ex-flame from homeland security, Mary Lou, Nick is in a race against time to save everyone's lives and Austin's water supply by thwarting Izzy from executing his plan which is in its final stages. Will Nick succeed?

This was interesting book which was at times tacky, a little disturbing and other times, entertaining and fast-paced. In short, it kept me involved until the end. The current use of Internet, especially Facebook, shown in this story was pretty disturbing, but I did find Charity's character very fascinating and I especially loved what she did in the end. All the characters are close to real in the sense they are human with all their flaws, and I did not at any time only just hate or like them. The feelings kept changing for all the characters as the story unfolded. If you like a light mystery with lots of creative twists and a touch of romance, you will definitely enjoy this one.

Mav`
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/dirtywaterbook2byrichardhacker.html#.UvacJGJdXYE

From My Book Addiction Reviews

https://www.goodreads.com/LTGetty

http://www.burstbooks.ca

Genre: Historical Fantasy/Science Fiction

Source: Received for an honest review from the publisher and/or author.

• Print Length: 303 pages
• Publisher: BURST (February 2, 2013)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00BAH9XSW

*Amazon*

Publication Date: February 2, 2013

When Kale mac Tadhg is betrayed by his Lord’s men, he is sent on an impossible quest: slay a witch in a tower, and end a people’s curse. Both Kale’s best friend and brother-in-arms Aaron Smithson and former betrothed Aoife of Westgate set out to rescue him, but their journey takes them into the uncharted waters and Northwestern Nordic colonies, to a land cursed and all but forgotten. They begin to realize that there is some truth to old legends. Kale’s rescue comes at a price—for by the time Aaron and Aoife know where to search, like so many before him, Kale is bound to the ancient tower’s fate.

MY THOUGHTS:

TOWER OF OBSIDIAN by L. T. Getty is an interesting and entertaining Historical Fantasy/Science Fiction set in Killiath, Ireland 994. Join Kale mac Tadhg, Aaron Smithson,and Aoife of Westgate are on a quest. When Kale is sent on a quest to slay a witch and end a people’s curse,he is betrayed by his Lord’s men, he is now bound to the ancient tower’s fate. Aaron, his best friend and Aoife, his former betrothed are determined to rescue him,but at what cost?

Their journey takes them to the uncharted waters,to the Northwestern Nordic colonies, and a cursed land. What they find are legends, danger, ghosts,a dragon,a witch,sacrifice, immortality,a sorcerer and an ancient tower with secrets.

There are many relationships and sub-plots in this story. At first, it is a little disconcerting, but than you get the hang of things and the storyline moves quickly. Many, many characters, but they help move the story along. There are many twists and turns. Oh did I mention kidnapping, dark magic and a monster or two. What a tale of betrayal, sacrifice, and love. Can love truly lift a curse and free a people? To find out you must read “Tower of Obsidian”. I must say this was a unique look into Historical Fantasy with a side trip down the road of magic and good vs evil. With a trip into legends, and myths. A unique read. Received for an honest review from the publisher and/or author.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: Mild

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

From Book Crazy Reviews

Title: Hitchhiker
Author: Audra Middleton
Genre: Humorous Paranormal Thriller
Length: 178 pages approx
Publisher: Burst Books ( a division of Champagne Books)

Buy Links: Amazon | Book Burst | Kobo

Synopsis:

Supernatural abilities haunt her. Brainiac students taunt her. The FBI “Freak Squad” wants her. Will she abandon her extra sensory talents in favor of freedom, or will she hone them to help catch crooks?

Former army brat, Ainsley Benton, may have finally found her place in this world, and it’s among the freaks. This small town art teacher has the ability to see, hear, and feel what other people are experiencing, and now the FBI’s freak squad wants to use her “human bug” abilities to catch bad guys. Despite her fear of commitment, failure, and responsibility, Ainsley temporarily agrees to join this team of misfits, and ends up risking her life to investigate a conspiracy that may only be one of her schizophrenic coworker’s paranoid delusions.

Review:

When I started reading this I was in two minds whether I was going to enjoy it or not. Ainsley is a school teacher with a supernatural ability in the form of having the Hitchhiker gene although at that moment she knows something is not right but doesn’t know exactly what it is. There is a blood drive at the school and she donates some of her blood, what she doesn’t realise is that her blood is screened and the FBI ‘freak squad’ know all about the hitchhiker gene and asks her to see them.

Her world from there is turned upside down. The hitchhiker gene allows her to hitchhike into someone else’s body, seeing through their eyes’ just by a small transfer of blood and she is now working with the freak squad which consists of people talking to dead people, a schizophrenic  who has hallucinations and other equally as freaky people. Ainsley seems to be fitting in quite well though.

One of the other people working for the squads friends daughter is dead and leaves a trail that must be followed up on but it is dangerous. Can they find out who the killer is? why he killed her?  There are other cases in with Ainsley works on and finds it quite difficult when she experiences her first hitchhiking disaster.

With suspense,  romance, supernatural and thriller qualities this turned out to be a brilliant book to read. I felt I got to know all of the characters pretty well from how the author wrote about them. I particularly liked Dylan and Jack.

It was well written and I look forward to reading more from this author.

From Long and Short Reviews

Out of the Cave by Cotton E. Davis

October 8, 2013 by completedreviews 2 Comments

Out of the Cave by Cotton E. Davis
Publisher: Burst Books
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (219 pages)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

First, Adam was hurt. Then, he was betrayed. Now, Adam is mad.

Timewarp Inc, brings Adam Stancil, a 15-year-old Neanderthal boy to this century, where he is mainstreamed into a Midwestern high school. As he assimilates into modern culture, makes friends, deals with bullies, plays on the football team, he discovers it was human ancestors who, back in the Ice Ages, murdered his people with superior weaponry. First, Adam was hurt. Then, he felt betrayed. Now, Adam is mad.

Humans often fear things we haven’t experienced before or don’t understand. Is prejudice integral to the ways in which our species interacts with the unknown, or is it a something that can be unlearned?

High school is one of the most difficult times in life to stand out from the crowd. The idea of attending a school full of adolescents from another species is what first drew me into Adam’s world. My compassion for his growing pains grew as I got to know the Neanderthal boy who was raised by humans. His responses to a world he has been largely shielded from are as humorous and they are realistic, and the scenes in which he acclimates to his new school are by far the best in this tale.

This is the second entry in the TimeWarp series. It can be read as a standalone novel. While I had no problem getting caught up on everything I needed to know as someone who is unfamiliar with these characters, the brief references to the adventures certain individuals had earlier on in the TimeWarp timeline are intriguing.

Jumping between the perspectives of so many different people was jarring at times. Adam’s point of view is fascinating to me because his understanding of human culture is so heavily influenced by his earliest memories. It was less interesting to see how other people react to him, and while I gained the occasional insight into the personalities and motivations of his classmates I would have preferred to spend more time in Adam’s head.

The way Adam is treated by some members of his community also made me pause. The slurs used against him were historically used in extremely racist contexts, and while I understand the comparison the author was making I would have liked to see the characters approach this topic with more nuanced discussions. The parallels between Adam’s treatment and modern day prejudices are only superficially explored. I hope that these themes will be given more time to develop if Mr. Davis decides to continue this series as they really are quite fascinating.

With that being said, I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters. Clearly a lot of time was put into developing their backstories and personalities, and all of that effort shines through in the sensitive, multi-dimensional portrayal of Adam in particular. He has the most extensive character development of anyone in this book by far. I did not want his adventure to end and was a little sad to say goodbye at the end of the plot.

Out of the Cave is full of questions about human nature. It’s a good choice for readers who like to have their minds stretched, and I recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind a little philosophy in their young adult fiction.

From Romance Junkies

Sugar Babies

Author: Mickey J. Corrigan

Publisher: Champagne Books
Release Date: Nov 3, 2013

Blue Ribbon Rating: 5

Format: EBOOK

Maire, Esme and Niki are three young women who are struggling to make it in the world.  Having no other prospects in sight, they turn to the high-stakes world of professional dating.

is the founder of Arranged Relations, a business created with the intent of helping wealthy, older gentlemen to find young women in which to share a mutually beneficial relationship.  Maire is living the high life with her own sugar daddy who helps fund her business.

Esme is a beautiful, buxom blonde who has come to Coconut Island in order to find a wealthy man who will help to assist her and her boyfriend’s dream of owning their own bar. Esme has so much going for her, but she allows her boyfriend to dictate her life.  Can a sugar-daddy help turn her life around?

Niki is a college student who is deep in debt with student loans.  She is desperate to make ends meet on her own without the help of her parents. Niki makes the mistake of falling for her landlord, whom she claims has some weird sexual practices.  When Niki goes missing, it becomes a mystery that needs to be solved.

SUGAR BABIES is an interesting read that kept me turning the pages.  I found myself pondering whether or not there really are professional dating sites on the web.  Filled with an air of mystery and intrigue, you will be kept guessing as the story plays out.  Surprisingly, there is very little sex added to the story, which I found refreshing.  Mickey J. Corrigan is one of my favorite authors and I urge you to give her a try.  Her stories are very well written and always entertain!  Sweeten your reading this month with SUGAR BABIES.