The Switched / Ryan Bracha

Reviewed by: Keith Nixon

Genre: Supernatural/Humour

Approximate word count: 65-70,000 words

Availability

Kindle US: YES UK: YES Nook: NO Smashwords: NO Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

The author’s debut novel Strangers Are Just Friends You Haven’t Killed Yet took him four years to write. Since then Bracha has published five novels, including The Switched. He lives in Barnsley in the UK with his family and two cats.

You can learn more about the author at his website.

Description:

One summer morning, totally unconnected people wake up as somebody else. They have their names, their lives, and their problems. Nobody knows how or why it's happened, and nobody knows if or when they'll ever get their own lives back. They must quickly learn to accept, adapt to, and in some cases embrace their new personas, if they are to survive in a world where the people known as The Switched will do anything to get their old bodies back from others who will desperately do anything to protect their true identity, and hide deep behind their new face.

Against the backdrop of a nationwide search for popular television presenter Francesca O’Reilly, whose very public breakdown and disappearance sparks chaos on social media, it quickly becomes apparent that the switching phenomenon is far more widespread than anybody could have known, and The Switched become the most famous people in the country.

Appraisal:

Ryan Bracha doesn’t write your average novel. Not by any stretch. With the exception of the Dead Man trilogy, each work he produces is different, but yet the same. By this I mean the subject matter varies from book to book, yet each is a challenging, in your face declaration of intent which he clearly has great fun writing.

Here’s an example. Authors have a tendency to put quotes up in their blurb from other writers or readers. Ninety nine times out of a hundred they’re positive statements to persuade the casual observer to buy. Not quite so Bracha:

“The use of gratuitous swearing actually offended my eyes...”

The Switched fits perfectly into this mold. As the description says it’s the story of five people who wake up one morning to find themselves in different bodies, ones which are nothing like their original selves. Each has quirks and instabilities which lead to an increasingly bizarre series of events laced with dark humour. And a significant amount of swearing.

Don’t expect this to be your average read.

Far from it…

FYI:

Lots and lots of swearing, including the C bomb.

Format/Typo Issues:

Nothing of note.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

#Free for your #Kindle, 9/17/2015

The author of each of these books has indicated their intent to schedule these books for a free day for the Kindle versions today on Amazon. Sometimes plans change or mistakes happen, so be sure to verify the price before hitting that "buy me" button.

Savannah Gone by Doug Keeler

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Martin Dash by Andy Bailey

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Author's interested in having their free book featured either here on a Thursday or a sister site on a Monday, visit this page for details.

Our Fair Eden / Harry Manners

Reviewed by: Pete Barber

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Availability

Kindle US: YES UK: YES Nook: NO Smashwords: NO Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

“Harry Manners is a British author of science fiction and fantasy. His work revolves around themes of isolation and destiny, the power inside, and good old-fashioned battles between good and evil.

When he's not writing, he spends his days as a science student, reads everything he can get his hands on, and occasionally chats about science on the radio.”

Description:

“It’s 2087, and the Earth’s climate is in wild fluctuation. The Amazon Basin is a sun-baked graveyard, the Gobi is blossoming into tropical beauty, and Manhattan is a swamp of the risen Atlantic. Old paradises are becoming new wasteland, old wasteland a new breed of paradise.

Nowhere is safe. Millions flee the world’s cities. But where do they run to? 
The UN has an answer: the Eden Projects, colonies drawn from all nations, leading the charge in developing new technologies to help start over.”

Appraisal:

I enjoy dystopian fiction—and isn’t there a lot of it about—coincidence? I think not. But often these novels take place when the “new order” has already been established. Our Fair Eden’s main character—Desh—is dropped into the middle of an Eden Project, which gives us a chance to see the social constructs and technology through the eyes of a newcomer—that seemed like a nice slant on an interesting premise.

Sadly, though, for this reader, the characters and the system of government in the project never seemed plausible or likely. Unable to suspend disbelief, I struggled to really care about the main character, or to believe in the political systems or the technology. Many concepts presented were interesting—such as implications of chemical control of the population and cloning. But they were grazed over and never really developed, which gave the story a rushed feel with unsatisfactory or unlikely outcomes to the main scenes and to the story itself.

The writing was easy on the eye, and the copy was clean and well edited. The story just didn’t work for me.

Format/Typo Issues:

Very few typos. British spelling.

Rating: *** Three stars

Diary of a Dead Guy: A Country Ghost Story / Ty Hager

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Paranormal/Humor/Satire

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Availability

Kindle US: YES UK: YES Nook: YES Smashwords: YES Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

“As a singer/songwriter, Ty Hager's humorous songs have been heard on Dr. Demento, and Bob and Tom, as well as on XM Radio. As a radio broadcaster, he's hosted morning shows in several markets, and his syndicated country music interview program, Behind the Hits, aired for thirteen weeks during the summer of 2011 on the American Forces Radio Network. He turned those complete interviews into Nashville Songsmiths - In-Depth Interviews with #1 Country Songwriters. He's also been a professional stand-up comic, and has written two screenplays, numerous short stories, and his name in the snow. Many times.

Diary of a Dead Guy is his first novel. It's about freakin' time.”

For more, visit Mr Hager's website.

Description:

“Harvey Boyd is a small-town radio newsman who thinks the biggest story of his career is the murder trial of Angel Whaley, accused of offing her husband – rising country star Jared Whaley – in his dressing room before a show at a local nightclub.

He has no idea.

Following a field trip to the station by a group of sixth-graders, Harvey finds a suspicious document uploaded to his laptop. It had to have been put there by that quiet kid who’d slipped away from the tour and been caught at the computer, yet there’s no way this twelve-year-old redneck could have written the words. They tell the story of a middle-aged country singer, murdered just as his career was taking off. It’s written with intelligence and humor. It’s written in the first-person. It’s written in the past tense.

Harvey’s about to become a part of the biggest story of his career.

Diary of a Dead Guy is part ghost story, part outrageous comedy, and part whimsical-yet-sobering look at some of the harsh realities of the country music business. Alternating between the first-person memoirs of the suddenly-deceased Jared and the narrative tale of a small town turned upside-down, it describes what can happen when the unfathomable thrusts itself upon the innocent, leaving no other option than to believe.”

Appraisal:

I picked this book up because I had a reading hangover, I needed something really different to shake me out of my slump. This book did it in spades. Jared Whaley was a country songwriter and singer that had a lot of irrepressible charm. On the downside he was also belligerent and obstinate. I don’t know anything about the country music business but everything related in the story sounded honest, realistic, and absolutely believable. This helped lend to the authenticity of that part of the story. Harvey Boyd’s character, the small town radio newsman, also carried the same credibility. As well as the ego of the high-powered lawyer, Marshall Laughlin, hired by Angel’s wealthy father to represent her in her defense for the murder of Jared Whaley.

Willard Blevins, a twelve-year-old with a new laptop, inexplicably starts channeling Jared’s spirit. Jared wants his story told from the very beginning, and he has chosen poor Willard to type out his story. Ty Hager, the author, often breaks the fourth wall in the story, which is told from different points of view in alternating chapters. I found it engaging and entertaining as we learn more about Jared’s life story. There are laugh-out-loud scenes as well as suspenseful, emotional, and heartbreaking scenes, with twists and turn of events that could not be foreseen. Diary of a Dead Guy has the whole gambit, adventure, sex, drugs, comedy, country music, and rock and roll, from Oklahoma, to Texas, to Tennessee and back again. It was a joyful ride most of the time that I couldn’t wait to get back to in the evening. I sure enjoyed it.

However there is one thing I have to mention. I found an inconsistency in Chapter 26 where Mack, Willard’s father, was silenced by a sharp look from Harvey. When on the page before Harvey had left the judge’s chamber to follow Angel after she ran from the room to the lady’s room. It was a minor inconsistency that didn’t really impact the story-line and since the rest of the editing was good I am not going to take away a star. This is a creative, unique, and entertaining tale that deserves five stars. I will happily read anything else written by Ty Hager.

FYI:

Lots of swearing and F-bombs. There is also some sexual content that may not be suitable for some readers.

Format/Typo Issues:

Nothing to speak of except what I mentioned above in my review.

Rating: ***** Five stars

Fossilized Gods / J. Simon

Reviewed by: Sooz

Genre: Paranormal

Approximate word count: 105,000-110,000 words

Availability

Kindle US: YES UK: YES Nook: YES Smashwords: NO Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

J. Simon has written four books. You can find more information on the books atthis website.

Description:

Samantha, a god, has just woken up from hibernation finding that her powers don’t necessarily work as they should – or at all. With a band of other gods who have distinctive powers, it comes down to Samantha and her band of gods and humans to save the museum where she lives and, maybe even save the world.

Appraisal:

Ever wonder what a god would be like if they lived among humans? Fossilized Gods takes a look at it, even if some of those are gods are stuck to one place such as the museum their remains have tethered them to.

Samantha, an Egyptian god, is awoken from her long, long sleep. She begins to explore the new world and realize it is full of possibilities and craziness and so many more people who should worship her. What makes Sam unique is her outlook. She isn’t actually trying to convert everyone around her – although she tries – but rather she is a fun-loving, goofball who likes humans a bit more than she thought she would.

Her partners, others gods also awoken at the same time, play off Sam’s character well. They all try to make their place in the new world explaining why they are supreme gods, but have enough unique talents that they take on an evil god trying to take over the world.

The book is silly at times. The imagination of J. Simon is off the charts. Even though there is plenty of action and dire circumstances – we are talking the end of the world here! – Simon is able to do it in a way that is fun and inventive. The author is able to take what may seem like a regular occurrence in our every day lives and distort in a way that will make you see things differently.

It’s plenty of fun.

Format/Typo Issues:

There were a few typos in the book.

Rating: ****Four Stars

Reprise Review: You Are Not Alone / Leah Carey

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Genre: Non-Fiction / Current Events / Culture

Approximate word count: 35-40,000 word

Availability
Kindle US: YES UK: YES Nook: NO Smashwords: NO Paper: YES
Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

“Transformational speaker and author Leah Carey has been in the trenches. She spent over two decades struggling with chronic depression, believing that no matter how hard she worked or how much she accomplished, she was never good enough and no one could ever understand. She now shares with audiences the answer that saved her life: sharing our stories helps us to release shame, build community, and increase effectiveness and resilience…

Leah is a journalist and has been published in books, magazines, medical journals, and on many internet sites on a variety of self-empowerment and personal development topics. She also speaks frequently at groups and conferences on these subjects. She lives in northern New Hampshire with her parakeet, Cinnamon, and about a bazillion of her favorite books.”

For more, visit Carey's website or Facebook page.

Description:

“On May 24, 2014, Twitter exploded with stories of women’s experiences of harassment and assault in their daily lives using the hashtag #YesAllWomen.

With the Twitter conversation as inspiration, 10 women came together to share their stories with each other and the world. They dug within themselves to find wisdom...but they also revealed their own inner conflict about their experiences and their views of the world. They were willing to be vulnerable and admit not only how they have been hurt, but also how they have hurt others.

Through telling our stories - and hearing the stories of others - we learn that there is much more that unites us than divides us. That is the purpose of this book. To remind you: You are not alone.

I hope that you will hear those words repeating in your head as you read this book and realize how true they are: YOU ARE NOT ALONE”

Appraisal:


I don’t read much non-fiction any longer and I don’t read self-help books, so I really didn’t know what to expect with this book. I wasn’t looking forward to reading about other women’s horror stories. However, that is not what I found here in this book. Ten brave women give us an inside look into their struggles and share their own personal journeys through their individual healing processes. Sharing their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment allowed them to realize they are not alone in their struggles to get a handle on their lives. Identifying similar dilemmas and seeing it through others eyes gives them a chance to view their own situations with new eyes. Perspectives changed and that change helped them all move forward in different degrees.

Everyone’s path is different. I thank my lucky stars that I have not had to deal with the abuse these women have survived. I have not been accosted while walking down the street and I have never been sexually harassed. I do realize the possibility is there every single day though. The problem is we are all vulnerable when we are alone. We all need to take a stronger stand on teaching our sons and daughters to respect other people. To gather around and support those who are being oppressed and to support one another. The enemy is silence. We need to share our fears and experiences to find our power and strength. I liked this quote from the book:

We’re not saving the world FROM men. We’re not saving the world FOR women. We’re saving the world from our fear. We’re saving the world from our shame. We’re saving the world from all those times that we didn’t speak our truth, and turned our anger inward on ourselves.

We’re saving the world from all those times that we didn’t speak our truth and exploded at innocent bystanders… many of whom happen to be the men who want to love us. We’re saving the world by finding peace and respect within ourselves, because it will save the world for the next generation.

I found this an enlightening read and I want to thank BigAl for pushing the boundaries of my comfort-zone yet again, by asking if I would like to do a doubleshot with him. :D Honestly, once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down. You Are Not Alone is a valuable read for both men and women and Ms. Carey did a wonderful job putting it together. I was captivated by these women and want to thank each and every one of them for opening up and sharing a piece of their soul with the world.

Format/Typo Issues:

I found no significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five stars

Reprise Review: Hustle / Tom Pitts

Reviewed by: Keith Nixon

Genre: Crime

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Availability    

Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook: YES  Smashwords: NO  Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

Tom Pitts learnt about life on the mean streets of San Francisco where he still lives, works and writes today.

You can learn more about the author at his website.

Description:

Donny and Big Rich work the streets for a living, turning tricks, doing drugs in their spare time in an endless downward spiral. But Rich reckons he has a meal ticket out in the form of Gabriel Thaxton, one of his clients. He's a wealthy man and wouldn't want his secret to be out there.

The trouble is Thaxton's already being blackmailed...

Appraisal:

My expectation was raised when I saw the introduction to Hustle was by Les Edgerton - that the story would be of a certain type and quality. And I wasn't wrong. Hustle is a tightly written novel with a straightforward, no nonsense plant, excellent cast of characters and a real treat to read, surrounded by some testing subject matter.

Everything about this novel is neat. There are few characters and all are very well drawn. Pitts managed to make me care about and like or hate the whole cast. Donny and Big Rich are two kids who spend their time waiting for a score, whether selling their bodies to a client or taking drugs. Donny is new to the scene, Big Rich the more experienced hustler who teaches Donny the ropes.

There's Thaxton, once a tough lawyer, able to get any criminal off any charge - a legal version of Gordon Gecko - but now a shadow of his former self. He's paid a very high price for his success. He's being blackmailed by one of his ex-clients, a drug addict called Dustin. He's truly excellent, a lunatic of the highest order. Dustin has something over Thaxton and is using it to his advantage. And finally Bear, by name and nature, another of Thaxton's clients, but one who's trying to help him. And that's pretty much it for the cast, with another couple of ably supporting bodies.

Successive chapters flip between Donny and Rich, hatching their plan, executing it, then realising it's not going to work as planned, cut in with narrative on Bear or Thaxton. The conclusion is very well done. As I said, a real treat.

FYI:

Violence, swearing and drug taking.

Format/Typo Issues:

Nothing worth mention.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reprise Review: The Hunt for the Well Hidden Treasure / Bob Sheard and Timothy Taylor

Reviewed by: Michael Thal

Genre: Middle Grade/Action & Adventure/Mystery & Detectives

Approximate word count: 40-45,000 words

Availability    

Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook: NO  Smashwords: NO  Paper: YES

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

Timothy Taylor traveled around a lot as a kid to places like California, Massachusetts, and Saudi Arabia. He loved reading mysteries and decided he’d write one too for kids like his son.

Bob Sheard, a web publisher, enjoys writing, investing, and spending quality time with his wife and two children in and around Cincinnati, Ohio.

Description:

Will Grainger is new to Knightsbridge, California. Since his parents’ separation, Will has relocated five times in six years. This time, Will is hoping to establish some roots and make a few friends. When the remains of the notorious Spanish pirate, El Cazador are unearthed in Knightsbridge, gold fever erupts, bringing thousands of treasure seekers to the sleepy California town.

Appraisal:

In a fast-paced descriptive style middle grade students enjoy, the writing team of Bob Sheard and Timothy Taylor tell a fascinating story of friendship, mystery, and adventure.

While researching in the town’s public library, Will meets other seventh graders with treasure fever. Mikey is an electronics buff, Susan is a computer wiz, and Evelyn has an amazing aptitude for photography. Joined with Will’s knowledge of the outdoors, these young sleuths are seemingly unbeatable, except for the fact that professional treasure hunters are on their tail willing to prevent their success at all costs.

The Hunt for the Well Hidden Treasure is an exciting read for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reprise Review: Shadowline Drift / Alexes Razevich

Reviewed by: Pete Barber

Genre: Metaphysical Thriller

Approximate word count: 50-55-000 words

Availability    

Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook: NO  Smashwords: NO Paper: NO

Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

Alexes Razevich was born in New York and grew up in Orange County, California. She attended California State University San Francisco where she earned a degree in Creative Writing. After a successful career on the fringe of the electronics industry, including stints as Director of Marketing for a major trade show management company and as an editor for Electronic Engineering Times, she returned to her first love--fiction. She lives in Southern California with her husband. When she isn't writing, she enjoys playing hockey and travel.

She would love to have you join her on Twitter and get to know you on Facebook.

Description:

Jake Kendrick is a brilliant negotiator, even though—or maybe because—he's only three and a half feet tall. When a substance is discovered which holds the promise to end world hunger, Jake seems the perfect person to secure the rights from the diminutive Amazonian chief who claims to hold the only supply.

Appraisal:

This is the most unusual novel I’ve read this year. A story within which anything is possible and little is as it seems. The author kept me unbalanced and on edge throughout, and I enjoyed the ride.

A minimalistic plot gives the main character an overriding purpose to keep moving forward through seemingly insurmountable odds, and this frees the author to delve into a world of the real and the imaginary. For me, the reading pleasure came through the fascinating metaphysical backdrop that draped every character and event—eerily believable and richly detailed. Try this for a descriptive sentence: “Purple orchids burst through the fat green leaves like tethered birds aching to take flight,” or this for mood setting: “Drizzle fell, as soft as kisses on his skin.” I highlighted quite a few more.

A few loose ends remained untied at the conclusion, but I didn’t feel cheated. This story was about the journey not the plot. A bit like an acid trip, there’s little to be gained by explaining what went on, you have to experience it for yourself. I’d strongly recommend reading the Amazon sample. If you enjoy how the story starts, I don’t think you’ll regret reading through to the end.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: ***** Five stars

Reprise Review: Vulgarian Vamp (Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider Book 5) / Barbara Silkstone

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Genre: Humor/ Mystery/ Adventure/ Paranormal

Approximate word count: 40-45,000 words

Availability
Kindle US: YES UK: YES  Nook: YES Smashwords: NO Paper: NO
Click on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store

Author:

“Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series ~ Mystery Comedies featuring Wendy Darlin, Miami real estate broker and part-time Tomb Raider. Silkstone enjoys doing playful things with language as she writes criminally funny tales ripped from the headlines...shaken, not stirred, and served with a twist and a chuckle. She lives in south Florida where she survives on buttered popcorn and fried chicken... extra crispy.”

You can find out more about Ms. Silkstone at her website or connect with her on her blog. Ms. Silkstone has also recently opened another website that has nothing to do with books. “The Second Act Café is a place for those lingering on either side of fifty. It’s about getting even by having fun. Life truly should be one long laugh.” Her books are also available on Audible.com.

Description:

“You are cordially invited to the destination wedding of Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider and Doctor Roger Jolley, world-renowned archaeologist to be held at the Van Helsing Resort and Spa in Loutish, Vulgaria. In lieu of wedding gifts please bring whole garlic buds. The ceremony will begin once the forty bloodless monks are contained in Carfax Abbey.”

Appraisal:

Roger Jolley has finally convinced Wendy to marry him so he whisks her off for a destination wedding in Vulgaria. Wendy allowed Roger to pick the location, her only requirement was that it be thug-less. Wendy is also sporting a seven month baby bump and the hormones that come with that stage of pregnancy. To say she was a bit cranky at times is an understatement. Hilarity ensues as both Wendy and Roger try to curb their language so as not to taint little Roger’s ears while in the womb, in hopes that the habit will stick with them after the baby is born. With Wendy’s best friend, Kit, by her side for support and the assistance of Miss Squirl E. McCurley, the hotel innkeeper/cook, the Van Helsing Resort and Spa looked to be the perfect romantic location. NOT.

Needless to say the quaint little town of Loutish has more surprises for the happy couple than they expected. Between the mysterious events that had just befallen the Carfax Abbey, to old Vulgarian customs that must be adhered to for their wedding to be legal, and mob mentality Loutish villager’s the festivities get a little disorderly. Just for fun Ms. Silkstone has thrown in a politician building his platform for the upcoming election, a mattress salesman who sees a business opportunity, an ex-husband thought to be dead, and vampires. All these ingredients are stirred, not shaken, and ultimately brought together with Roger’s secret motive for choosing Van Helsing Resort and Spa that makes one hell of a good story that will warm the cockles of your heart.

The plot is fast paced and multi-layered as things spin out of control, at least until the Vatican Vampire Investigators arrive in the Vaticopters. Will Roger and Wendy manage to get married by Reverend Bram Soaker and protect the cutest little non-sparkly vampire, Mina, who has been living on the wine stored under Carfax Abbey her entire undead life? This is a fun mystery with a surprise twist at the end. I can’t wait for Wendy’s adventures to continue.

FYI:

This is the fifth book in the Wendy Darlin Tomb Raider series. While this could be read as a stand-alone, I think it would be more thoroughly enjoyed having read the previous books of the Tomb Raider series.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant errors.

Rating: ***** Five stars