Review: Blood On The Table by R.C. Dilan

Genre: Dystopian Thriller

Description:

“Controlled by the faceless elite, those lucky enough to avoid life in prison, live their days steeped in fear of tomorrow. Jackson Elliot has spent a decade behind the concrete walls of Sidney prison being punished for his parent’s radical views.

When a charismatic con man, Bobby Ford, becomes his cellmate, suddenly Jackson can see a light at the end of his bleak tunnel and starts to hope that maybe he can escape and reinvigorate the revolution that already claimed the lives of his family.”

Author:

“R.C. Dilan was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington, a small city north of Seattle. Dilan always enjoyed reading, and as a kid wanted to become a writer, practicing by trying to write stories that mimicked movies he saw or books he had read—they were all pretty terrible.

While teaching English in Japan, he started writing his first book, Blood on the Table. Most of the first draft of his book was written while commuting on the crowded trains navigating through Tokyo. It was a long process, full of long nights and weekends spent editing and rewriting, but one that fulfilled a lifelong dream.”

Appraisal:

The unusual beginning location drew me into this story--most of the first third of the novel takes place inside Sidney prison. I didn’t read the blurb, so it took me some pages to realize this was a dystopian adventure. I enjoy that genre, it just came as something of a surprise because I was quite a ways into the story the first time the “elites” and the revolution were mentioned.

The story is told in first person and the plot is interesting and moves along at a fast pace, which I enjoyed. What I didn’t enjoy, though, was the lack of tension. Each obstacle was overcome without me ever suspecting there might be trouble for the protagonist. Jackson was always one step ahead of everyone. Bobby was an interesting character, but his foibles were over explained and I got a little fed up being repeatedly told about this character’s strengths and weaknesses. A lot of the plot advancement was done through dialogue. Nothing wrong with that per se, but too much of the talking consisted of long explanatory parables

This is the author’s first novel, and I think it would benefit greatly from a tough content edit. Especially as it’s going to be the basis for a series.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Format/Typo Issues:

Too few to bother me.

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: Pete Barber

Approximate word count: 80-85,000 words

Review: Silent Whispers by Christine Rains

Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Mystery/Adventure

Description:

“It’s not only the dead who whisper upon the wind.

An ancient totem pole has gone missing, and its pieces are scattered across Alaska. Restoring the seven totem tokens may be the only way to save every shifter in the world.

Kinley Dorn, a geeky architect with a heart of gold and a polar bear shifter, jumps at the opportunity to help her family find the lost pieces. Their idea of 'helping' involves staying indoors to research online. Work leads Kinley to sexy lynx shifter Ransom Averill. He coaxes her away from the safety behind her computer and into the path of a rampaging giant. Terrifying as the monster might be, she must brave its mountain because the owl totem is calling to her through silent whispers.”

Author:

“Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. and Untethered Realms. She has one novel and several novellas and short stories published.”

Please check out her Amazon author page for all of her books or stalk her on Facebook.

Appraisal:

Silent Whispers is Kinley’s story. She is the nerdy middle sister of the Dorn clan. Kinley immerses herself in her work and research. She is also the designated caretaker of the family. Because of a failed relationship, five years ago, she is insecure and can’t imagine why any male could possibly be interested in her. Then she meets Ransom Averill, a personal assistant to her newest client, and sparks fly. Ransom is a handsome Lynx shifter who seems like a bit of a playboy: cocky, witty, and fiercely loyal. Kinley is a hot mess whenever he is around and I’m not sure why but Ransom’s cocksure attitude made him more adorable to me. Ms. Rains was able to develop Ransom’s character where his arrogance came across in a humble way. Not sure how she did that with a cat shifter, however, she did it quite well.

The plot moves along at a nice pace, and many of the twists were unexpected. Kenley has heard “whispers” from the ether practically her whole life, however, the whispers seem conflicting at times. Perplexed with the whispers she chooses to go with her gut instincts and/or personal desires. The mystery of the totems and the hunters grows deeper and more complex in this novella.

I’m looking forward to book three of the Totem series, Cloak of Snow, where I hope to learn more about the oldest Dorn sister, Saskia, and her relationship with Sedge. This is turning into an enthralling mystery quest series.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Silent Whispers is book two in the Totem series, of which there are six completed so far. There are a few F-bombs dropped.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant proofing or formatting issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 25-30,000 words

Review: Sudden Death by Theresa Jacobs

Genre: Horror

Description:

Imagine downloading a game for your phone where it’s played in the real world. A group of college students have relied so much on technology that they have found themselves battling a demon that has been downloaded into their phone.

Author:

Theresa Jacobs is a Canadian author who has written poetry, short stories and a children’s picture book. Jacobs is an avid TV watcher and loves movies. For more, visit Theresa’s website.

Appraisal:

Technology has taken over our lives. It's a fact. You go down the block (or maybe ride a hover board) and people are texting while they walk, listening to music on bluetooth headphones while they jog, talking on the phone while they drive -- and that's just some of the basics we do with technology. 

But what happens if the world we live in now, the one where phones are glued to our hands, becomes possessed with a demon that lives inside of the tech? In short, it's not good. 

Sudden Death follows a group of college students as they learn a game they have downloaded is possessed with a demon whose only goal is to kill. The premise is relevant and interesting, but the execution just wasn't there.

The book could have used another edit before being published as there were several mistakes. While intense, which is an A-plus for a horror book, there was also too much of jumping to people in peril who were not relevant to the storyline. The novella didn't have much character development either, which might have been a factor of the short read, but each character felt as though they each just had one note. There wasn't much depth.

I wanted to like the book because as someone who is immersed in technology (I still rarely read print books), I can definitely relate. But this book needed work before it should have been published. If there is ever an update, I would love to check it out because there is a great story in there. 

Buy now from:      Amazon US      Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

There were several typos or errors.

Approximate word count: 30-35,000 words

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: Sooz

Review: Scattered Souls by Erica Lucke Dean

Genre: Time Travel/Romance

Description:

“Ava Flynn is cursed. After barely surviving an epic battle between her warring soul mates, Ava is stranded in the past with Laith, while Maddox frantically searches across the decades. Laith will stop at nothing to prove his love to Ava, and a desperate Maddox must race against time to find her before his brother can win her heart.

Torn between the two brothers, and with her eternal soul at stake, Ava comes to the horrifying conclusion that only she can break the curse. But the cost may be more than she is willing to pay.”

Author:

“After walking away from her career as a business banker to pursue writing full-time, Erica moved from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small tourist town in the North Georgia Mountains where she lives in a 90-year-old haunted farmhouse with her workaholic husband, her 180lb lap dog, and at least one ghost.

When she’s not busy writing or tending to her collection of crazy chickens, diabolical ducks, and a quintet of piglets, hell bent on having her for dinner, she’s either reading bad fan fiction or singing karaoke in the local pub. Much like the characters in her books, Erica is a magnet for disaster, and has been known to trip on air while walking across flat surfaces.

How she’s managed to survive this long is one of life’s great mysteries.”

To learn more about Ms. Dean, visit her website or stalk her on herFacebook page.

Appraisal:

Scattered Souls begins with a short jaunt into the past, and we learn how both Maddox and Laith acquired their time-jumping abilities. Ava is also given a small glimpse into Maddox’s, Laith’s, and Elizabeth’s history while falling through time. Timelines are little problem if you know the rules of the game. At least as long as you have possession of a magic stone. Learning those rules were trial and error for both Maddox and Laith. Both are in possession of their own stone.

After Laith rescues Ava from the cliff at the end of book one, Splintered Souls, he settles her in his Chicago home sometime in 1928. From there Laith begins his campaign to win Ava’s heart through a whirlwind series of jumps through time to fulfill her every heart’s desire. These were a thoroughly enjoyable distraction from the vital weightiness of the plot. This plan is working in Laith’s favor until Maddox catches up with them and all hell breaks loose.

Ava has a sharp learning curve and serious decisions to make concerning the curse that has plagued Maddox and Laith since they were born. Although Jane, apprentice witch of the old witch who placed the original curse, insists it was a blessing because her mentor didn’t dabble in the dark forces. Getting to know Jane was an enthralling bonus in this book. She was able to give Ava a lot to consider, and it seems as if Ava will have to be the one to put an end to the blessing/curse. But how can she manage that when she doesn’t wish pain or heartbreak to either brother?

This story is a true rollercoaster ride through history and emotions. The game changing ending will leave the reader reeling. I was totally beside myself. I need the next book NOW! Ms. Dean had better be writing her heart out…

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Scattered Souls is book two in the Flames of Time series. Adult situations and a few F-bombs.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant proofing issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Review: The Red Brick Cellars by R W Wallace

Genre: Murder mystery

Description:

"A murdered mayor. A second body reduced to skeleton and dust. Their public display so horrific that the police are baffled.

Everyone assumes uninterested heir Louis Saint-Blancat will finally settle down and focus on the politics of Toulouse, France. Louis becomes the center of attention in the press as his mother and sister pressure him to follow the family’s political tradition, while all he wants is to track down his father’s killer and return to his globe-trotting lifestyle.

Determined to ferret out the story behind the perplexing assassination that took place at the very center of Toulouse, struggling English journalist Catherine Marty finds an unlikely ally in Louis."

Author:

"R.W. Wallace grew up in Norway, but has lived almost half her life in Toulouse in South-Western France. Fascinated with Toulouse and its history, it became the natural setting and inspiration for her stories. She divides her time between a busy city life in Toulouse and a laidback country setting at the foot of the Pyrenees with her better half and two miniature versions of herself."

For more information visit the author's page on Amazon.

Appraisal:

This is the story of Louis Saint-Blancat, home from America for his father's funeral in Toulouse. Mystery and rumour surround his father's sudden death and Louis teams up with journalist, Catherine Marty, to look for the truth. His father had been the popular mayor of Toulouse for many years. Was Louis now to believe that he had been taking bribes all the time? His mother and sister are very vague about the idea; their only interest is in putting pressure on Louis to go into politics himself, to take his father's place in the town.

A gripping opening chapter tells about Louis' murdered father, found with the mummified remains of a prostitute which falls to dust when touched. There are two main characters, Louis and Catherine. Louis is handsome, cultured, rich and charming. Catherine is blonde, pretty and broke. The town, Toulouse, is almost a character itself. The author obviously knows it very well; she conveys the look and atmosphere of the squares, the streets and the houses with great affection.

The murderer is suitably deranged and dangerous, and believable too, and there are some delightfully ghoulish passages:

"Catherine moved her light out along the arm attached to the hand. Staring blue dead eyes came into view. The skin was starting to fall off and a patch of blond hair was already missing."

"The heads fell off quite easily—a fact Catherine could have done without knowing—but cracking the skull open took a solid kick to the side of the head. . "

The main problem with this book lies in the characters of Louis and Catherine. Neither seems to be quite grown up; their conversations are often childish and petty and Louis seems to be very much under his mother's influence although he is in his mid-thirties. He thinks:

"His mother would have a fit if she saw him talking with his mouth full."

And he is comforted when she makes him her special cup of hot chocolate.

Catherine, at first, appears to be an independent, confident, career woman. She has an ex-husband whom she treats with impatience and hostility but admits eventually to feeling abandoned and lost without a man in her life.

Another problem is the incorrect use of words - "absolutions" instead of ablutions, and incorrect grammar/syntax.

" . . . all around Catherine’s body . . . was a stone box the size and shape of a coffin."

“I have no plans of going into politics.”

English is not the first language of the author which explains these mistakes. There is also quite a lot of over-explaining and repetition, and information conveyed through unatural dialogue, but nothing that a good edit wouldn't fix.

The narrative pace of this novel is good, the story is interesting and the ideas behind the murders are very creative but the bad syntax and the immature characters spoil the overall impression.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Some grisly scenes

Format/Typo Issues:

Many errors in syntax

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: Joan Slowey

Approximate word count: 75-80,000 words

Review: Bardwell's Folly by Sandra Hutchison

Genre: Literary Fiction/Women's Fiction

Description:

“Dori Bardwell's father was the white Southern author of THE novel about slavery, a man who settled his large family up north in a replica of a plantation house and never spoke of his past. A tragic accident pulled Dori from college to care for her only remaining brother, but now the money is running out, her ex-boyfriend appears intent on revenge, a media baron has designs on her father's last, unfinished manuscript, and her own thoughtless blackface joke is about to go viral and turn her life upside down.

With a new, media-savvy African American friend, Dori embarks on a voyage into her family's secret history that might just lead her right back to where she started.”

Author:

“Born and raised in Florida, Sandra Hutchison survived a transplant to a small, snowy New England town during high school and eventually stopped sulking about it, though it's possible she's still working it out in her fiction. She currently lives in Troy, New York, where she teaches writing at Hudson Valley Community College. “

Appraisal:

Bardwell's Folly is hard to nail down. Is it literary fiction or women's fiction? Is it humorous and satirical or serious? Should a reader come away being entertained by the story as told, or is there some hidden meaning or point to be gleaned by looking a little deeper?

The answers to all of these questions are obviously a big resounding yes. Or no. Whatever you want the answer to be to any of those questions including “all of the above,” it fits the bill. I was amused by Dori, but still took what was happening to her throughout the book seriously enough to care. I think there are lessons or at least points to consider about family and literary celebrity, but more than enough to be entertaining if you want to avoid the deep thoughts. There should be something here for anyone who wants a good read, regardless of how you define that.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 100-105,000 words

Review: The Dragonward by Michael Meyerhofer

Genre: Fantasy

Description:

Rowen Locke, Igrid, and Jalist have found their place in the world after the War of the Lotus, but it seems the peace is short-lived. Alliances are crumbling and one leader is looking to rip the fabric of Lyos apart. Locke must stop him, but there’s always a cost.

Author:

Michael Meyerhofer is a fiction writer and poet. His first book, Wytchfire, was nominated for a Reader’s Choice Award on Big Al’s Books and Pals. Meyerhofer received a BA from the University of Iowa and his MFA from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He currently resides in Fresno, CA.

Appraisal:

The Dragonward picks up three years after the War of the Lotus, which was chronicled in Meyerhofer’s Dragonkin Trilogy. It’s always fun coming back to characters that you enjoyed connecting with even if it means trouble is on the horizon again. The characters have all changed based on their past experiences, but not so much that I felt like I was reading about different people. Going through what they did in the original trilogy would change anyone, and it’s interesting to see their development.

The storyline of The Dragonward is interesting. Even if the world was in trouble in the original trilogy, somehow the stakes now seem even higher. There is a stark divide in Lyos of those who want to eradicate the world of magic and those who want to live in that world. Fanatical groups are on the rise and Rowen Locke is dragged back into it because he’s the hero that Lyos needs since he is the only one that can hold the sword Knightswrath.

I loved the trio of Igrid, Zeia and Keswan fighting together. Three women who didn’t need the protection of men to take care of the themselves. Together, they are a formidable group that can put down most any character, probably even Locke himself.

The biggest miss in the book was the introduction of characters early on and then forgetting about them. Meyerhofer introduced The Scion, a Dwarr so against magic that he would fight and die to get rid of it. But we only get to see him once and then he is briefly mentioned toward the end of the book. I felt there also could have been more with the main bad guy. Algol was supposedly meaner and nastier than anything Locke has ever faced, but he just didn’t seem scary or even ruthless enough.

In the end, I actually wanted more. That’s how much I enjoy this world that Meyerhofer has created. I still enjoyed The Dragonward and loved revisiting a few old friends in their new adventure.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

This could still be read as a standalone if you have not read the original trilogy.

Format/Typo Issues:

None.

Approximate word count: 100-105,000 words

Rating: ****Four Stars

Reviewed by: Sooz

Review: All Darling Children by Katrina Monroe

Genre: Fantasy/Folk Tales

Description:

“On the tenth anniversary of her mother's death, fourteen-year-old Madge Darling’s grandmother suffers a heart attack. With the overbearing Grandma Wendy in the hospital, Madge runs away to Chicago, intent on tracking down a woman she believes is actually her mother.

On her way to the Windy City, a boy named Peter Pan lures Madge to Neverland, a magical place where children can remain young forever. While Pan plays puppet master in a twisted game only he understands, Madge discovers the disturbing price of Peter Pan's eternal youth.”

Author:

“Katrina Monroe is a novelist, mom, and snark-slinger extraordinaire.

Her worst habits include: eating pretty much anything with her fingers, yelling at inappropriate times, and being unable to focus on important things like dinner and putting on pants.

She collects quotes like most people collect, well, other things. Her favorite is, 'If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.' – Dorothy Parker

Readers can revel in her sarcasm at her website.”

Appraisal:

Ms. Monroe has forever changed the story of Peter Pan for me. I try to stay away from dark themes, for personal reasons, however the cover for All Darling Children sucked me in. I also have a fondness for retold fairy-tales. Honestly, I was hoping for some humor to stave off the darkness, but no, I can’t say there was enough humor to save me from the depravity that is Pan. Ms. Monroe takes the story of Peter Pan and skillfully weaves in a Lord of the Flies type drama.  *shivers*

This story centers on Madge Darling, Wendy Darling’s grand-daughter. Madge wishes to escape her cold, tyrannical grandmother and find her mother. It just so happens Pan has been watching Madge for years and assists in her escape by whisking her off to Neverland. Madge is spunky, however she doesn’t come across as a strong character, and I kept having to remind myself she was only fourteen years-old. Pan’s transformation into a maniacal madman with powers of persuasion over the lost boys and the whole island of Neverland makes magical sense in the context of the story. As Madge begins to see the truth surrounding Pan and Neverland, she determines she has to confront Peter and try to set things right. But does she have the courage, strength, and cunning to pull it off?

The narrative is broken up with selections from Wendy’s diary entries from her time in Neverland, which paints a whole new picture of Wendy’s character. This gives the reader a better understanding of Wendy Darling’s later adult years as well. Flashbacks are used to fill-in other reimagined events and characters, such as Captain Hook and Tiger Lily. The twists in this reworking of the tale takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride you won’t soon forget. The end left me reeling and a little unnerved.

If you are into demented, twisted, reimagined fairy tales this may be a book you will enjoy.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

There are a few F-bombs dropped and some gory battle scenes. This is not a child’s fairy tale.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues with proofing or formatting.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 55-60,000 words

Review: Fringe Runner by Rachel Aukes

Genre: Psychological thriller/Science Fiction

Description:

“An old space captain hounded by arthritis and war memories, Aramis Reyne struggles to make enough credits to feed his crew and keep his ship flying by running mail and supplies to the farthest, most dangerous reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. When he's offered a no-questions-asked contract to pick up a package, he jumps at the opportunity. But, he quickly learns that he should've asked questions...and that there are far worse things in the Collective than being broke.”

Author:

Rachel Aukes is the bestselling author of 100 Days in Deadland, which made Suspense Magazine’s Best of the Year list. She is also a Wattpad Star, her stories having over three million reads. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes across the Midwest countryside.

Appraisal:

Fringe Runner is a light, fast read. The plot drives the narrative throughout. Neither the characters nor the technology is dealt with in any depth. Many of the challenges faced by Aramis Reyne are familiar: A collective of citizens being manipulated through fear-mongering and terrorism to allow a takeover of their society by a powerful creature race. A cabal of elites who pull the strings in secret with no consideration for the consequences. A Fringe of renegades who shirk authority and end up being the under-gunned saviors of the day.

These comments aren’t meant as criticism. This is the very reason I picked the story. I needed some mental relief from the dark material I’m currently reading on a research project, and this book delivered.

If you enjoy space adventures, you can certainly do worse. Also, this is first in a series and currently offered at a teaser price of $0.99, so you might spend little and find a new author or series.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

Here sits my main gripe with this story. I noted over twenty typos or missing words or erroneous spellings. This is way past acceptable. Especially when most of these were obvious errors that one more read through would have found. Maybe the author would like to fix these and get a four star review next time.

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: Pete Barber

Approximate word count: 50-55,000 words

Reprise Review: Ghosts of A.R.C.A.D.I.A by Ramsey Isler

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Description:

Miguel Naciamento is a graduate of Stanford University, a freelance writer, and recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. In his bones he feels a second Pulitzer from the fishy atmosphere generated by the A.R.C.A.D.I.A. debacle. ARCADIA is a computer game, but not just your run-of-the-mill game one can find on the shelves of Best Buy. Created by computer genius, Ivy Yeun, ARCADIA is “an interactive world simulator with incredible detail and the ability to control everything with the power of thought.” The device can actually read a players mind.

Author:

Ramsey Isler’s day job is a software developer and designer in Los Angeles. When not playing with his cat or writing feature articles and media reviews at IGN.com, Ramsey enjoys writing science fiction and fantasy. One of his most recent novels is The Remortal, a tale about a teen boy surviving on the streets of LA who bumps into a man who wants the teen to kill him.

Check out Mr. Isler’s author page on Amazon for more of his books or feel free to visit his blog.

Appraisal:

Author Ramsey Isler has created a world in the near future where gamers get a unique experience of a lifetime. However, players are fleeing from the system like rats in a flooded tenement. Someone has hacked into the impenetrable ARCADIA system stealing money from bank accounts despite the fact that they had never linked those accounts to the game. With the help of Ivy Yeun, Naciamento sniffs out the story that peels away layer after layer to uncover an astounding revelation.

Ghosts of ARCADIA is a heart-pounding tale that will keep readers glued to its pages through this fascinating novel.

Buy now from:    Amazon US    Amazon UK

FYI:

Added for Reprise Review: Ghosts of A.R.C.A.D.I.A was a nominee in the Science Fiction category for B&P 2015 Readers' Choice Awards. Original review ran November 20, 2014.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: Michael Thal

Approximate word count: 40-45,000 words