Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Book Review of James' Journey: The Interlude (The Master of Whitehall Book 5) by Rick H. Veal



Book Title: James' Journey (The Master of Whitehall Book 5)
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Pages: 225
Author: Rick H. Veal
Date Published: 24 July 2016

Synopsis:

“This then is the story of my life and how I came to be what I am …”

In this highly anticipated final installment, James Thomas Dubois, The Master of Whitehall himself, narrates his tale and brings the classic love story of the epic saga full circle. James recounts his journey, born in eighteenth century colonial Charles Towne and raised to be a planter like his father before him. Share in the joy when he marries the love of his life, making him complete. Suddenly widowed at the height of his happiness, he spirals helplessly into the depths of endless grief. Stand fascinated with him when Charlotte Ann bestows upon him the Gift of Life and reveals the true Fountain of Youth. Travel with him across the centuries as his transformation from human to vampire; untrained fledgling to powerful immortal unfolds. The story of James’ life, both mortal and immortal, illustrates the role Fate plays as it guides him toward that one special day in the twenty-first century that will forever change his life, and finally fulfill his destiny.

Review:


James' Journey: The InterludeJames' Journey: The Interlude by Rick H. Veal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I also purchased a copy to add to my collection.

This is the fifth and final book in The Master of Whitehall Saga. I loved it!

James Dubois is a fascinating character. I really liked him when he was first introduced in the first book of the series. Although he's a vampire, he is a quintessential gentleman. This is his story and follows events leading up to his meeting of Charlotte Ann in 1752 and how she changed his life by making him an Immortal, then meeting Katelyn Corbin in 2012 when his life changed once more.

Having read the other four books in the series, I was excited when the author contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reading this one. I jumped at the chance and was not disappointed.

I was quickly pulled into the story and was swept away into the past. The author has done a lot of research into the history in which this book is set. His descriptions brought the past to life, as well as certain characters.

This book is told through the eyes of James and it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I found myself empathizing with him as he dealt with the terrible loss of his wife and child. It is not easy to lose someone you love. I was a little envious of Charlotte Ann for finding a wonderful companion and friend in James though. I must admit I felt sad about the state of Whitehall manor after the Civil War, but happy that James managed to get it back to its glory. James has lived a long and sometimes turbulent life, and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking a journey through history and his memories of them with him. I hope that he and Katelyn will have many more years to make new memories in the future. I reached the end of the book with mixed emotions - happy that things have come full circle, but sad that the saga has ended.

Rick Veal has written an intriguing series of love, loss, friendship and emotional growth that will take the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion. His characters are lifelike and likable. His writing style has improved a lot and is faster paced than ever before. The flow of the story is wonderful, and this kept me turning the pages. I would definitely read more of this authors work in the future.

There are some scenes of a sensual nature that are a little on the hot side (although not as explicit as some books I have read), so I do not recommend this book for younger readers. I do, however, recommend this book (and series) if you love paranormal romances with sexy vampires or immortal beings. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


         

About The Author:





Rick H. Veal was born sometime during the last half of the twentieth century in the upstate of South Carolina and has spent the majority of his life there. He joined the Navy immediately out of high school becoming an aircraft mechanic. During a six year span he sailed four times around the world and had the pleasure of visiting eighteen different countries. He says of that time that he did about two thirds of everything there was to do and was accused of taking part in the other one third.

After returning home he attended The University of South Carolina graduating with a double Associates Degree with Honors. He completed his education at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and Education. Since that time he has worked in the education field as a teacher and in various management positions in industry. He currently lives alone and shares his home with his 'daughter', a six year old Tuxedo cat who graciously allows him to think he actually owns the house. Her name is 'Daddy's Pretty Girl' but she will actually answer to anything except 'Late for Dinner'.

His two favorite authors are Anne Rice and Clive Cussler. He enjoys Cussler's storytelling ability and Rice's attention to detail. He considers Anne Rice, The Grand Dame of Vampire Writers, to be the architect of the modern vampire genre. Her works are the foundation on which current writers continue to build and expand the field. He believes that current writers of vampire lore owe her a huge debt of gratitude for laying that foundation. Clive Cussler, his other favorite author, is the quintessential American storyteller, one who is able to spin a yarn that draws the reader in from the very beginning. Both of them have a way of bringing their characters to life so that you feel as if you personally know them. Veal hopes that his readers will be able to see the influence of those two great writers in his writing as he tries to convey the same believability with his characters.

He has been a reader for most of his life and enjoyed much of what he's read. He has always enjoyed reading about and watching movies on the subject of vampires. He was completely hooked by Barnabas Collins in 'Dark Shadows' way back in 1966. After reading all the vampire books he could ... Rice, Smith, Harris, Craine, Meyer ... he decided that if they could write a vampire story, then so could he and he set out to do just that.

He decided that a setting with a rich history surrounding it would be ideal for a paranormal love story. Charleston and the surrounding Low Country of South Carolina, replete with an abundant history of ghosts and the unknown, combined with the lore of Vampire stories just seemed to be made for each other. So tying the two together he formed the initial idea and built on it from there.

The result of his efforts is The Epic Saga of The Master of Whitehall, a sweeping three volume narrative set in historic Charleston and the surrounding Low Country of South Carolina. A forth novel, the first of a two volume prequel to The Master of Whitehall, is in progress with one more planned for a total of five volumes in the series.

His other works include Jennifer's Ghost, a short story set in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina and Hannah's Heartache, a Master of Whitehall novelette, set in Savannah, Georgia.

It has been said that that if you want to write, you should "write the book you want to read, and then others will want to read it too". That is exactly what he hopes he has accomplished in his own writings.

All of his books, Katelyn's Chronicles, Lexi's Legacy, Dale's Descent, Jennifer's Ghost and Hannah's Heartache are available at Amazon.com in both print and e-book formats.

Should you wish to receive a personally inscribed and signed copy of any of his books please contact him directly for more information. He can be contacted via e-mail at author@prtcnet.com, his website, TheMasterOfWhitehall.com, or on Facebook at Rick H. Veal.

Author Links:

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Sale special for books by Gillian Joy

Hey readers.  Today I bring you a promotion.

We have two of the three books in the Guardian Series by Gillian Joy on sale on Amazon.

So incase you forgot here is book one.

https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gillian-Joy-ebook/dp/B019FKXSUE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468910359&sr=8-1&keywords=Guardian+by+Gillian+Joy#nav-subnav
If you click on the pic above you can pick up this book for only $.99 on Amazon right now.
 
Book two is not currently on sale but is so worth the full price of only $2.99
 
Here is the pic and the link for book two.  If you want you can click on Amazon here to purchase the book or the pic.  Life is all about choices. 
https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Guardian-Book-Gillian-Joy-ebook/dp/B01DR57AHK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468910683&sr=8-3&keywords=Guardian+by+Gillian+Joy#nav-subnav
 
Book three, the final in the series is also on sale on Amazon right now.  Only $.99 and you can thus own the entire series for less than $5.  Amazon here has the one click button we all love to hate. 
 
https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Guardian-Book-Gillian-Joy-ebook/dp/B01HSFJM4O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468910876&sr=8-2&keywords=Guardian+by+Gillian+Joy#nav-subnav
 
Go ahead.  You know you want this series for your very own... What is it about.  Love, vampires, lust, Angels, betrayel, Nephilim, trust, Shifters, family.  To learn more follow this link  - Amazon
 
 

Book Review of Black Swan Rising (Black Swan Rising Trilogy Series Book 1) by Lee Carroll



Book Title: Black Swan Rising (Black Swan Rising Trilogy Book 1)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 396
Author: Lee Carroll
Date Published: 3 August 2010 (Paperback)

Synopsis:

When New York City jewelry designer Garet James stumbles into a strange antiques shop in her neighborhood, her life is about to be turned upside down. John Dee, the enigmatic shopkeeper, commissions her to open a vintage silver box for a generous sum of money. Oddly, the symbol of a swan on the box exactly matches the ring given to her by her deceased mother. Garet can’t believe her luck and this eerie coincidence until she opens the box and otherworldly things start happening. . . .

That evening, the precious silver box is stolen. When Garet begins to investigate, she learns that she has been pulled into a prophecy that is hundreds of years old, and opening the box has unleashed an evil force onto the streets of Manhattan and the world at large. Gradually, Garet pieces together her true identity—one that her deceased mother desperately tried to protect her from. Generations of women in Garet’s family, including her beloved mother, suffered and died at the hands of this prevailing evil. Does Garet possess the power to reclaim the box and defeat this devastating force?

On her journey, she will meet the fey folk who walk unnoticed among humans and a sexy vampire who also happens to be a hedge fund manager that she can’t stop thinking about. But the fairies reveal a desire to overpower mere humans and the seductive vampire has the power to steal the life from her body. Whom can Garet trust to guide her? Using her newfound powers and sharp wit, Garet will muster everything she’s got to shut down the evil taking over her friends, family, New York City, and the world.

Review:


Black Swan Rising (Black Swan Rising #1)Black Swan Rising by Lee Carroll
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in an intriguing Urban Fantasy trilogy. I enjoyed it.

Garet James is an intriguing character. I liked her a lot, but wanted to shake her on occasion. She is a jeweler, who makes necklaces out of old signets and seals. After hearing some bad news and getting caught in a rain storm, she stumbles into an antiques shop where she meets the proprietor. When he asks for her assistance in opening a sealed box, Garet is thrown into a world she never knew existed and finds out that she's one of a long line of Watchtowers, guardians of the Fae.

I was recommended this book by Amazon in 2014 due to my reading/browsing history. I was intrigued by the synopsis so I bought a copy. Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, I haven't been able to read it until recently.

I enjoyed meeting a few of the fae, such as Oberon and Puck, as well as the vampire Will Hughes (could have done with more interaction between him and Garet though). Garet's friends, Becky and Jay, are likable too. However, it was the villain of the story, Dr. John Dee that I struggled to get a feel for, as I felt he wasn't as well developed as he should have been. He came across as insane rather than evil.

I started to read this story and quickly became hooked. Unfortunately, although I enjoyed the story, there were a couple of things about it that didn't grip me as it should have in my opinion - some characters were not as well developed as others, and confusing story lines that didn't seem to weave into the main plot nicely. Although there was excitement and danger in some scenes, as well as romance, I struggled to feel anything but ambivalence for most of the story. I must admit I did get a bit excited during one scene where a gargoyle attacked Garet and Will came to the rescue. Other readers may have a different experience to me, so I will leave it up to you, the reader, to decide for yourselves. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I may change my mind in the future, but I am not sure if I will be continuing with the second book in the trilogy.

Lee Carroll has written an intriguing YA Urban Fantasy. Although I didn't find it particularly fast paced, it kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages. Due to there being too much going on, I felt that the flow became jerky in places and didn't flow as much as it should have.

Due to some scenes of violence, I do not recommend this book to readers under 15. I do, however, recommend this book if you love YA urban fantasy. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


          

About The Authors:

There is more than one author with this name

Lee Carroll is a pseudonym for the collaboration between Hammet Award-winning mystery novelist Carol Goodman and her poet and hedge fund manager husband, Lee Slonimsky. Goodman and Slonimsky live in Great Neck, New York.

Author Links:

Friday, July 15, 2016

Book Review of Alienated by Melissa Landers



Book Title: Alienated
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Pages: 348
Author: Melissa Landers
Date Published: 20 March 2014 (Hardback)

Synopsis:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. Handpicked to host the first-ever L'eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she'll have inside information about the mysterious L'eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara's blog following is about to skyrocket. Still, Cara isn't sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L'eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn't seem more alien. She's certain about one thing though: no human boy is this good-looking. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn't just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life--not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Review:


Alienated (Alienated, #1)Alienated by Melissa Landers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a fantastic YA science fiction series. I loved it!

Cara Sweeney is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is sixteen years old who is kind and determined to succeed. When her family is asked to host an exchange student from the planet L'eihr, she sees it as an opportunity to find out all about these mysterious beings that appeared two years previously. As she gets to know Aelyx, she realises that she has feelings for him. But when danger threatens, Cara is torn between two worlds.

I have mixed feelings with regards to Aelyx. I didn't like him much at first as he comes across as cold and detached but as the story went on, I grew to like him. He resents being sent to Earth to live with a human family and is determined to sabotage the peace between L'eihr and Earth. His resentment leads him to do something rather stupid (and dangerous) in my opinion. But, as he gets to know his host family, and Cara in particular, he realises he may have made a huge mistake.

I heard about this book from a blog I follow and bought a copy of the book in 2014. Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, I haven't been able to read it until now.

The story is told through the eyes of both Cara and Aelyx. I started to read this book and was quickly hooked, I didn't put the book down until I had finished it. However, I felt that the L'eihr were a little one dimensional to say they are meant to be a more advanced race. Granted, this could be because they are described in bland shades - they like bland food and wear bland colours. Having said that, I really enjoyed watching Aelyx's character growth as he grappled with the sensory overload of bright colours and general strangeness of culture shock.

Along with Aelyx, the reader is introduced to two other L'eihr students that were also part of the student exchange. Their names are Eron and Syrine. All three of them are best friends/roommates/family. It is difficult to describe their relationship properly as they were all brought up together. I really liked Eron and his sense of humor, but thought Syrine was a bit of a b**ch at times. As for human characters, I liked Eric and Tori, Cara's best friends at first, but as events unfolded, I found myself wondering at their abrupt changes of attitude.

This story takes the reader on a roller coaster of action, danger and romance. There is a lot of emotional triggers in this book: bigotry, xenophobia, bullying and a lot of teen angst. However, this gave the story a more realistic feel. Some of the dialogue came across as a little cheesy at times, but this also lightened the mood through some dark scenes. I must admit that I found myself giggling when Cara and Aelyx first meet, it made me wonder what was going through his mind at the time. I also found myself shedding a few tears in a couple of places. When I reached the end of the book, I felt a little unsatisfied with it as, although it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it ends with several unresolved issues. I am hoping that Invaded, the next book in the series, will tie up the loose ends and look forward to reading it as soon as I can.

Melissa Landers has written a wonderful YA science fiction novel. I enjoyed her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of this author's books in the future.

There are no scenes of an explicit nature. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to teenagers aged 15 and above, and to adults who love to read YA science fiction or romance genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


        

About The Author:



Melissa Landers (melissa-landers.com) is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn't afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public--just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, "Sweetheart of Ohio."

Author Links:

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Book Review of Unchained: An Eternal Guardians Novella (Book 8.5) by Elisabeth Naughton



Book Title: Unchained (1001 Dark Nights) (Eternal Guardians Novella Book 8.5)
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Pages: 108
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Date Published: 14 June 2016 (E-Book)

Synopsis:

PROMETHEUS – One of the keenest Titans to ever walk the earth. Until, that is, his weakness for the human race resulted in his imprisonment.

For thousands of years, Prometheus’s only certainty was his daily torture at Zeus’s hand. Now, unchained by the Eternal Guardians, he spends his days in solitude, trying to forget the past. He’s vowed no allegiance in the war between mortal and immortal, but when a beautiful maiden seeks him out and begs for his help, he’s once again powerless to say no. Soon, Prometheus is drawn into the very conflict he swore to avoid, and, to save the maiden’s life, he must choose sides. But she has a secret of her own, and if Prometheus doesn’t discover what she’s hiding in time, the world won’t simply find itself embroiled in a battle between good and evil, it will fall in total domination to Prometheus’s greatest enemy.

Review:


Unchained (Eternal Guardians #8.5)Unchained by Elisabeth Naughton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful novella of the Eternal Guardians series. I loved it!

Prometheus is a wonderful character. When he was introduced in Bound (Book 6 of the series), I was intrigued by him. He's a Titan, and had spent thousands of years as a prisoner of Zeus, who tortured him until his rescue by the Guardians twenty-five years previously. Still haunted by his capture, he has become a recluse and fears he is going crazy when a mysterious beauty invades his dreams. Not sure what is real and what is hallucination, Prometheus finds himself intrigued by this mysterious woman.

Circe is a witch held captive by Zeus on Mount Olympus and made to do his bidding. Trapped, she knows there is only one person who would have enough power to rescue her from her prison - Prometheus. However, will he help her when he finds out who she is?

As soon as I heard that this book was up for pre-order and due to be released, I ordered it. You could call this Eternal Guardians 8.5, but it is a stand-alone story in it's own right, with a slight sidestep from the original story arc, though also closely following it. However, this story brought a new twist to the tale. This book is set, like Awakened (Book 8), twenty-five years after the events that took place in Twisted (Book 7). It was a pleasure to meet all of the Guardians again, though they have minor roles in this tale for the most part.

I enjoyed getting to know Prometheus better, though Circe still has deep secrets (I feel) that need exploring. Perhaps they will come to light in the next book of the series. I hope so. I love the chemistry between them, which is hot enough to scorch the page, and they make a wonderful couple.

As I have previously said in my other reviews about this series, I love the world building. It has a wonderful mixture of fantasy combined with myth and reality. The characters' are extremely lifelike and they feel like my friends. The story arc is definitely heading towards it's climax and I will feel extremely sad when it does, but I hope that at least Max and Zagreus will get their stories told before that happens. This story ends with a twist and I am now looking forward to finding out what happens next, because it's going to be explosive - I can just feel it.

Elisabeth Naughton has written an exciting paranormal romance series. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. She has definitely found a fan in me!

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love erotic paranormal romances with sexy heroes and strong female characters. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend you read the other books in the series first before reading this one. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


             


About The Author:



Before topping multiple bestseller lists--including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal--Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry's most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Learn more at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

Author Links:

Thursday, July 07, 2016

Book Review of Summer's End (Once Times Thrice Book 2) by Dianna Hardy



Book Title: Summer's End (Once Twice Thrice Series #2)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 253
Author: Dianna Hardy
Date Published: 18 June 2016

Synopsis:

Pippa knew her life had all but ended seven months ago, when she answered the phone call no one ever wants to receive: her husband had been in a fatal car accident.

Left physically and mentally disabled, David now sits in a care home while she struggles to keep herself together as she brings up their three kids. And on top of the grief, there's the guilt... she should be there for him, too.

One Christmas alone, one Valentine's, one spring, and now summer's nearly over... Can she face it all again?

Jimmy's known Pippa since before they were teens. Best friends with her younger brother and two years her junior, she's never had eyes for him, and when she fell in love with David, Jimmy finally accepted she would never be his. In fact, he swore off committed relationships altogether, for his path took him down a different route. No one needs to be burdened with the cross he chose to bear.

But his torch for Pippa never went out.

And maybe someone, somewhere, knows it, for words scribbled down and said out loud in a moment of desperation, might just be working their magic, about to shine a light on everything they could have ... if they're prepared to take a leap of faith...

Review:


Summer's End (Once Times Thrice, #2)Summer's End by Dianna Hardy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Once Twice Thrice series. I absolutely loved it!

Pippa is a wonderful character. She is Jamie's sister and was only briefly introduced in The Spell of Summer. Therefore, I was eager to get to know her better. She is married to David who, after a terrible accident eight months previously, is now living in a care home due to his injuries. They have three children, Liam (10), Sammy (7) and Becca (4). Trying to cope with the demands of her young family, and her guilt about her husband's accident, Pippa finds herself being drawn to her younger brother's best friend, Jimmy.

Jimmy is a fantastic character. I really liked him. He's not had an easy life and getting to know his past made me admire him for doing what he had to in order to survive. He has always had a crush on Pippa, but knew that her heart belonged to David. When Pippa unexpectedly lands back into his life, Jimmy is determined to be there for her as a friend if need be. However, his attraction to her is as strong as ever and there's no going back, even if it leads to heartbreak.

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book. I knew that I would be on a HUGE emotional roller coaster with this story, so before I started reading it, I stocked up on tissues. I am glad I did!

This is a hard review to write, as it is extremely difficult to not put in spoilers!! Therefore, in an effort not to gush, I have decided to keep this one short.

Although Pippa and Jimmy are the main focus of the story and the reader gets to see their points of view, Candy North's (Merri's best friend) story is told along side. I loved this, as it allowed me to see not only their thoughts and feelings but hers too. Pippa and Jimmy's attraction fairly sizzles on the page. They make a wonderful couple. But it was the beach scene with Jimmy and Liam that really tugged at my heart. I knew that Jimmy was a good man, but that scene made me fall for him myself.

The story kept me enthralled from beginning to end. The author has such a way with words that they pull you into the story and make you feel like you are living in it. The characters are extremely lifelike, full of flaws and insecurities. I love how relatable they are, even if you haven't had the same experience, you can empathize with them. My heart broke at every set back and flew at every hope and joy.

I reached the end of the book with bitter-sweet emotions; I don't know if there will be another book in the series. Although it doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, the author has left it ambiguous. I hope there will be another book, but only time will tell.

Dianna Hardy has written a wonderful contemporary romance with a magical twist. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story was wonderful. I am a huge fan of this author's work. Her characters are lifelike, likable, and sexy.

As this story has a few scenes of a sensual nature that are a bit on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book to readers under 17. However, I highly recommend this book if you love contemporary or paranormal romance. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


           

About The Author:



Dianna Hardy is the international bestselling author of The Witching Pen series and the Eye Of The Storm series. She combines a titillating mix of contemporary and paranormal romance in to her writing, as well as urban and dark fantasy, to bring you stories that are action-packed, fast- paced and not short of heat, with the focus on both character development and the plot. She writes full-length novels and short fiction.

She lives in the UK, with her partner and their daughter, where she writes full time.

Official Website: http://www.diannahardy.com

Monday, July 04, 2016

Rachel Caine book one in the Great Library series

https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Great-Library-Rachel-Caine/dp/0451473132?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc
Pick on the pic to go to Amazon
 
About the book
 
In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…
 
About the author
 
 
In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…
Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…
 
 
My review
 
This is the ferocious readers Hogwarts.  Full of danger, full of promise.  I love this world, and I am sure soon this will be the NEXT must read series. 
Meet Jess, an anti-hero that in an alternative reality lives in a world where even the perversions of men has adjusted and mutated to be still perverted but cantered around the one thing that runs everything.  It is soon clear that The Great Library owns everything, runs everything, spy on everybody and uses and dispose of people with the ease of a used napkin.
Knowledge is everything but if you do not get to pick what is taught to you, what you are exposed to, then it is pretty darn sure that you won’t be able to ask the questions that could put you into the position of really getting down to the heart of the matter.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely.  You find burners, people who know they should disagree but even they do not really know what they are resisting, during book one, all they are resisting is the concept.  You find runners, smugglers that deal in REAL books - yes you can read but only on a codex.  One that will work forever, one that cannot be taken away, cannot be harmed, cannot become corrupted, the perfect system until it is not.
I think what impressed me the most amongst a host of impressive things in this book is the fact that the author so utterly created a new dimension and still has it so close to our own reality that it does not feel like an alternative it feels like a warning....
 
https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Great-Library-Rachel-Caine/dp/0451472403?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

Sunday, July 03, 2016

Book Review of Punk Rocker by Mark Barry, Jim Kavanagh, Caddy Rowland, Christoph Fischer, Alison Braun, Steven E. Metz, Erin McGowan, Alan Wynofsky Wynzel, Janet Salopek-Green, Jorge Newbery, Brenda Perlin, Carla Mullins-Haughan and presented by Brenda Perlin



Book Title: Punk Rocker
Genre: Memoir/Anthology
Pages: 210
Author/s: Mark Barry, Jim Kavanagh, Caddy Rowland, Christoph Fischer, Alison Braun, Steven E. Metz, Erin McGowan, Alan Wynofsky Wynzel, Janet Salopek-Green, Jorge Newbery, Brenda Perlin, Carla Mullins-Haughan and presented by Brenda Perlin
Date Published: 7 May 2016 (E-book)
Synopsis:

Punk Rocker is the much anticipated sequel to “L.A. Punk Rocker”: top author Brenda Perlin’s best-selling punk anthology. Here you will find a collection of short stories from those who were there in the early days. Hard core musical anarchists who saw it all, heard it all, did it all - and survived to tell their stories. Along with Brenda and the West Coast punks, Punk Rocker features rebels, writers, commentators and street kids from all over America – talking about the music, the fashion, the attitude, the passion, the lifestyle and, of course, the bands who made it all happen. Meet people who discovered punk’s new dawn – and those who were there for its sunset, in the ramshackle mausoleum of the Chelsea Hotel. Backstage, in the clubs, in the gigs, in hotel rooms with the band, on the streets –Brenda was there. She saw it all. And so did her friends. Punk Rocker. If you missed it…what are you waiting for?

Review:


Punk RockerPunk Rocker by Brenda Perlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an anthology of stories, some true and others fiction, which delves into the punk scene that occurred in the seventies and early eighties. I enjoyed it.

This is not my usual reading genre. I don't often read memoirs as such, but a friend recommended it so I decided to give it a try.

It was interesting to see how the authors were affected by the punk era and how the music shaped their lives. I must admit that I have listened to artists like The Who, Billy Idol, The Clash, David Bowie and others over the years, but was too young in the early eighties to understand why these artists inspired young teenagers to express themselves by dressing in leather, chains and weird hairdo's. I remember visiting family in the UK in 1984 (I was 11 at the time) and looking at a beautiful young girl on the bus. She had her nose pierced (a chain linking her nose and ear) and had a bright blue mohawk which stood up a good six inches. She wore a leather jacket over a t-shirt and torn jeans and big boots (Doc Martens, I think). Her father was scolding her and telling her that he didn't know her and not to sit with him. This made me sad. However, what struck me is that she sat there proudly. She probably was extremely upset, but she didn't let it show. I guess, just like these authors, she wanted to express herself.

I really enjoyed reading some of the authors' reminiscences, as well as the fictional stories. There are some truly hilarious events, as well as some that made me cringe in sympathy. It also gave me a better understanding of the political and social scene of the time. There is also a touching tribute to David Bowie by Brenda Perlin when he passed away earlier this year. His music, and that of the other punk rock bands has shaped a lot of today's music and inspired people of all ages. I feel it is their rebellion against being "normal" that allows today's young to express their individuality.

This is a fantastic collection of stories that will appeal to those who lived through the punk era, or those interested in the music and social aspect of the time. - Lynn Worton

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Amazon Author Links:

Brenda Perlin ; Mark Barry ; Christoph Fischer ; Caddy Rowland ; Alison Braun ; Jim Kavanagh ; Erin McGowan ; Steven E. Metz ; Carla Mullins-Haughan ; Jorge Newbury ; Janet Salopek-Green ; Alan Wynzel

Goodreads:

Brenda Perlin ; Mark Barry ; Christoph Fischer ; Caddy Rowland ; Jim Kavanagh ; Erin McGowan ; Steven E. Metz ; Carla Mullins-Haughan ; Jorge Newbury ; Janet Salopek-Green ; Alan Wynzel

Saturday, July 02, 2016

Book Review of A Magical Adventure in Chewore by Chellie Conlon



Book Title: A Magical Adventure in Chewore
Genre: Children's Adventure
Pages: 22
Author: Chellie Conlon
Date Published: 2 May 2016 (E-book)

Synopsis:

A magical adventure in Chewore is set on the banks of the Zambezi River, about a little girl named Emily, who meets all kinds of wild animals.
Our Wildlife is our future.

Review:


A Magical Adventure in CheworeA Magical Adventure in Chewore by Chellie Conlon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Emily is a little girl who has moved with her parents to Chewore, a small area on the banks of the Zambezi river in Zimbabwe. In this tale she gets to meet the various wild animals that live nearby and make friends with them.

My sister actually brought this book to my attention. Being an ex-Zimbabwean, I do miss being able to see a variety of animals roaming free in their natural habitat. I wanted to share Emily's story with the reluctant readers I mentor at a local school here in the UK. Being brought up with a variety of wild life myself, it is difficult to explain to someone who hasn't had that experience what it is like. However, looking at the world through Emily's eyes, young children can glimpse something special. Emily treats all animals with respect and friendliness. She meets Freddie the frog, who loves to lie in the mud of the strawberry plants, as well as a cheeky monkey called Stumpy and a giggling hyena called Happiness. There are other animals and birds that Emily meets along the way too.

This is a charming fictional tale that made me smile. Most of the animals Emily supposedly meets are beautifully showcased in the photographs taken by the author and gives the story a more realistic feel. As this is a fictional story and not real life, I feel that this book doesn't educate as much as entertain. Nevertheless, it introduces children to wild animals that they wouldn't ever meet unless they went with their parents on Safari in Africa or to a zoo.
This is definitely a magical adventure in Chewore, and I am looking forward to sharing it with the children I mentor.

Chellie Conlon has written a wonderful story. She doesn't use any large words that could confuse a young reader. She has a wonderful way of bringing the animals to life and I look forward to reading more of Emily's adventures in the future. I would like to thank her for sending me this book in print, as it is beautiful to look at and hold. I also think that it's fantastic that a percentage of the book sales are going towards the preservation of these animals.

I highly recommend this book to young children aged 3 and above.

Going slightly off topic: Zoo's are not ideal places for any animal, in my opinion, and they do not have the same impact of watching a lion chase a zebra for food, or an elephant knocking down an amarula tree in an effort to get at it's fruit, or when visiting a nature reserve in a car (as I did) and being lead by a matriarch elephant from the watering hole where the babies and their mothers were bathing so as to not separate them from each other. Wild animals need to be treated with respect, because they can be unpredictable. Lives (both human and animal) are lost because of plain stupidity and a lack of common sense by us humans. Children and adults need to be better educated; you can't walk up to a lion (in the wild or in a zoo) and stroke it (for example) and not have it take a bite out of you. They are not tame, even if they've been born in a zoo and exposed to humans for years. - Lynn Worton

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