Book Review for “Valens Rise”

I was given a copy of this book by the author, Sherrel Lee, in exchange for an honest review. I liked the basis of this story, an alternate human race, shape shifting and mad scientists. To me it moved a little slow and took a long time to get to the meatier parts of the story. I had a hard time getting real attached to the characters. Over all it was a good read, if a bit long. I think this book would appeal to a younger audience, I would consider the sexual content to be for age 17 and up, not that it was explicit, just mature. I give this book 3 stars.
http://www.amazon.com/VALENS-RISE-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0078QRK1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372335760&sr=1-1&keywords=valens+rise

Book Review for “Eden” (Now re-released as “Bane”)

I just finished reading “Eden” which has been re-released as “Bane” by Keary Taylor. I am not sure how much is changed between the first and the second publication, but I loved this Dystopian story. The characters suck you into their world, especially Eve. This is a new twist for me and Dystopia, a cyborg- infection has just about wiped out mankind and the few survivors are trying to stay alive. I am definitely reading the rest of the trilogy. Book two is available and not sure when book three is coming out. This one is clean enough for even pre-teens. No flesh eating zombies here, but a tough female character and some great secondary characters as well. I give this book 5 stars.

Book Review for “Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare

My first taste of author Scott Southard was through his book “A Jane Austen Daydream”, which I loved, so I don’t know what I was really expecting from this book. Not at all like Jane Austen. This book proved to me the writing skill of Mr. Southard! I believe the man has quiet the imagination, albeit a twisted one. Maximilian Standforth is a mystery in the likes of Sherlock Holms, but with a case that, possibly, even he couldn’t solve. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and give it 5 stars.

Book Review for “Nobody” by Creston Mapes

This was a good Christian mystery. Loved the relationship part, the witness of the murder victim and the suspense. Would recomend it. There is an honesty in the story, could really happen. I found it very refreshing. Will be looking for more by this author. I give this book 4 stars and would recommend it to anyone who like a mystery. Not a chick-book, but I think a good read for women as well.

Review for “The Quarryman’s Bride”

The Quarryman’s Bride by Tracie Peterson is a great story of love, betrayal and forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tracie Peterson is a wonderful author that always incorporates faith and God’s love in her stories in a way that does not shove it down your throat. Every Christian aspect is an integral part of the storyline. I give this 5 stars and recommend to anyone who loves a good love story. This book is appropriate for young ladies as well as adults.

Review for “Continuum: Fables of the Fallen” a Collection of Short Stories

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a collection of work by young writers. I appreciate the opportunity to get a preview of their writing styles. Because there are 6 separate stories, by 6 separate authors, I am going to review this one differently. My overall review for the complete collection is 4 stars.
My individual reviews are as follows:
“Night Wolves” by Kathleen Gulo- This one got me right from the beginning. It reminds me of an edgy fairytale, and the werewolves are not love interests. I give this short story 5 stars. I intend to read the full version when the story is finished.
“Fragile Innocence” by R.C. Erickson-Futuristic cop story. This one was ok, good writing. Without spoiling the story, just not my kind of ending. I give this one 3 stars.
“Shadows Break” by Gregory Downs- Fantasy, I like this one. I give it 4 stars.
“Flesh and Metal” by Alexander Pyles-Sci Fi. This was another of my favorites. Machine meets man in a spine tingling way. This one gets 4 stars from me.
“Virtuoso” by Nathan Slemp- Fantasy and Crime Solving. This was well written, but I couldn’t connect with the characters and probably my least favorite. I give this one 3 stars. Just not my style.
“The Tragedy of Garth” by Jacob Baugh. I wanted to love this one, but once again, not my kind of ending. Well written I give this one 4 stars simply due to my personal taste in stories.
So overall, all authors have great promise! If you like Sci Fi and Fantasy, you will enjoy these short stories.

Review for “Daughters of the Ocean” by Jennifer Gropp

I think this book has potential to be a good YA story. The plot is similar to Twilight, with enough differences to make it interesting, instead of vampires this story is populated by sons of Thor and Merfolk. Unfortunately, the grammar, spelling and general typos were frequent enough to frustrate my reading. The story is told from two points of view, which I liked, except for the fact that sometimes it was just repeating the exact same conversation twice. Because I think the story line will apeal to the audience it is intended for, I have given it 3 stars. My opinion is that a good re-write could earn at least 4 stars (and probably 5 from the intended YA audience).