Book Review for “Kingdom Lights”-Middle Grade Fantasy/Steampunk Fiction

510eQtmtZQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I received a copy of “The Kingdom Lights” from the author, Steven VS, in exchange for an honest review. This book is intended for Middle grade to Young Adult. It is a good fantasy, with steampunk elements, including floating cities and magic. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fleshed out and likable, quite a few interesting new “species” for me. If you are a parent that doesn’t want your children to read anything with magic, then this one isn’t for you. Absolutely no swearing, no sexual content, but there is fighting and “monster” type things used in battle. I give it four stars, I really liked it. Though the story had a clear beginning and end, I am hoping there will be more of these books.

Book Review for “Meritropolis”- Dystopian Fiction

51CfBt+P2rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I received a free copy of Meritropolis from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this dystopian story. The writing is an easy style, the characters and likable, and the storyline is good. Residents of Meritropolis are judged by their merit score. Those of lower scores are not afforded the privileges and rights of those with a higher score, but life is hard for them all. This is clearly going to be more than one book as the story isn’t finished. It does end in a good place with a clear resolution to a problem, but is also left open ended for more. I will definitely read more from this author. I give it four stars, I “really liked it.” I can recommend for teens and up, no swearing, or sexual content, but there is fighting and some violence.
At the time of this review Meritropolis is free on amazon, kindle version.

Book Review for “Thimblerig’s Ark”- Christian Fantasy

51YFeQNvk-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU01_[1]

I thoroughly enjoyed “Thimblerig’s Ark”! This is a story of the ark told through the eyes of some of the animals involved. A shady groundhog finds faith. The storyline was fun, had quite a bit of humor and I loved the writing style. I give it four stars. I really liked it. Great for kids on up. Will be looking for more from this author!

Book Review for “In the Spotlight: Mayne Attraction”- Fiction YA Romance

5181UqwlOHL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I liked “In the Spotlight” book one of “Mayne Attraction” series. I would have given it four stars, really liking it except for a few things. In the beginning, the prologue, we meet a couple of shady characters, they come in early in the first few chapters, never to be heard from again, the story ends (with a cliff hanger) never explaining who, or why they are in the story. I am assuming they come in later in one of the other books, but I found myself asking over and over, what about those guys. The characters are likable, similar to a lot of YA characters. The girl is shy, clumsy and doesn’t know she is beautiful, the guys are hot and handsome. I am still not sure where the series is going, I was anticipating a big twist, but was disappointed in the lack of one. Having said all of that, the book is told through the eyes of the 18 year old girl, the writing is good, there was a nice mix of humor, no swearing, the only sexual content is a few insinuations and nothing between the main characters, in fact they begin and end as virgins. So a lot to like about this book, and whenever the remaining books come out, I will read them. I can recommend for ages 14 and up. Definitely a chick book.

Book Review for “Tesla”-YA Steampunk

51oIwSiYtpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I was given a copy of “Tesla” by the author, Mark Lingane, in exchange for an honest review. I so loved this book! It was the funnest (I know not a real word) read this whole summer. It is cyberpunk meets steampunk, literally. It is filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, all the excitement you expect from killer cyborgs, all from the point of view of a tween boy and a teen girl. I will probably read this one again. No sexual content, some mild swearing. I can recommend this to ages 14 and up. Now, I’ll have to try to be patient as this is only the first in a series.

Book Review for ” “The Island Collection Complete”-YA Dystopian

414o-yjLr5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I was given a copy of “The Island Collection Complete” through Story Cartel (http://storycartel.com/about), in exchange for an honest review. I “liked” the story. The writing style was easy to read. The theme runs through all three dystopian books, basically a “book” from each society was misconstrued and taken as Holy writ. I found it humorous that one of the books was a journal of a 10 year old boy who used a Star Wars notebook, and wrote about the “force.” Parts of the book reminded me of “Lord of the Flies,” and parts reminded me a bit of David Estes’ “Dwellers” series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. In fact there are some repeated scenes in books one and two, to keep you informed. If you are reading them back to back, it is a tad repetitive. A good read. I would read more by this author. I don’t recommend for ages younger than 16. There is implied sex between teens and some swearing. Though there isn’t a lot of “real” swearing, most of it is made-up swear words, there is some strong language. I give it 3 stars.

Book Review for “Many Waters”-Christian Fiction-YA

51R44B4s3xL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_[1]

I was given a copy of “Many Waters” by the author, William Woodall, in exchange for an honest review. This is book two of a series. I enjoyed both books. They are written about young people who are faced with trials. With God’s help (the author does not preach) and some help from friends and family they are able to overcome. This is a story of good versus evil, and has not only an element of fantasy, but is a good romance as well. Good for readers Jr. High and up. I think geared for YA. I do feel like there is some things left unexplained, some of the characters and who they are are a little vague. I would have given it four stars had things been a little clearer. These books need to be read in order. Not stand alone. I will definitely finish the series. No swearing or sexual content, some violence.