The Ex She Feared By J.C. Moore, A Book Review

 

This was a quick read. A story that’s based on a victim of domestic violence no longer having the normal, so-called protection in a functioning society due to an event, possibly global, that cuts the power, phones, and electronics. I say ‘so called’ because the protections offered in normal life are not even close to real protection for these victims. Anyway, the story is written to feel like you are in it with them. Looking over your shoulder, not trusting anyone, walking softly, quietly, observing everything. Crazy, and yet so real.

The characters are tuned to the current situation they are in. Few references are made to their past lives or their future goals. The present details and what is happening occupy their minds and actions almost 100 percent. So you can’t predict too much but wonder just the same. That does not bring me into their world to know, understand, or hope for them greater than the situation they're in.

The story was interesting, and one of the reviews made me wonder whether the reviewer had even read the book. None of what they said was true; it was just one of those people posting a low rating for their fun. It’s sad when I see that.

There were times when I had to go back and reread a part because I thought I had missed something. I didn’t; the story just skipped information. Not vital information, but for the flow, it was needed.

If you like psychological thrillers, you will like this story. Except for the skips, it was well done. But because of the skips, I could only give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

An Ear For Secrets (The Apex Kingdom #2) By LC Whitehouse, A Book Review

 

This, of course, is the second book of this series, and definitely not the last. Another interesting and fun story to read, and it pushes my need to get the next one when it’s published.

The characters, even though I feel I really know them from the first book, held some surprises in this one. The tender love between the two main characters keeps you glued to their trysts of thievery for the sake of justice and humanity. Rooting for them. Laughing with them. Enjoying their banter.

The loyalties amongst the group will keep you fixed in one direction, until you aren’t. The beliefs in them that emerge suddenly get questioned. Never assume - is the lesson here.

You will wonder what happens next, what lies hidden beneath each character's façade, and how they will each get through to the end. It’s a laid-out plan that never goes as planned and keeps you turning the pages to see what is next.

Another well-done story that thumps your heart and flutters your soul. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

A Taste For Lies (The Apex Kingdom #1) By LC Whitehouse, A Book Review

 

This story surprised me with its creative flair. Sometimes when the setting is outside normal reality, the authors have a hard time conveying the scene and emotions well enough for the reader to comprehend and dig into what is transpiring. Also, implanting thoughts or motions that hinge, enlighten, or prophesy other parts of the story are key to keeping the story a discovery.  These opportunities often get missed. Thankfully, this author did not disappoint. I think it was well done every time, from the beginning right to the end of the book.

The characters were developed, showing their past and present emotions with solid moves, thoughts, and conversations. Their interactions were realistic enough to evoke concern, irritation, and adoration, mixing these emotions at many levels, supporting the different scenes in the story. It kept me interested and glued to the story, compelling me to read the next book in the series. Which I will.

Well done, LC Whitehouse!

The Crimes of Colleen O’Byrnes By Jennie L. Morris, A Book Review

 

This is a story of surprise and worth reading. The main character, Colleen, was too aloof for me to fully understand or predict, and purposely so, I believe. It was a story that moved at a good pace, kept you guessing and trying to predict the next move, making it a mystery to solve.

The ending was totally unexpected because I thought I had a grasp of the characters’ psyches, but alas, I was mistaken.

It’s a quick read, if you like crime and suspense, that keeps you in the story throughout. I gave this 4 stars.

Allie’s War: Episode 1 by J.C. Andrijeski, A Book Review

 

I purchased this book some time ago, as a quick read to see if I would enjoy the author’s writing and storytelling.

The story was interesting, but I had a hard time following the action. I believe the characters went into other dimensions, or the ether, or something. I never quite figured it out. The characters had some depth established, but their connection to each other was not yet revealed, meaning you would have to continue to the next book for resolutions.

Moving forward was not a compelling thought for me, because I had such a hard time grasping the story in this short read, so I will not be moving to any other books at this time. I could only give this book 3 stars.

Rimrider(Rimrider Adventures-Book1) By L.A. Kelley, A Book Review

 This book was fun. I had adventure, creative aspects and sceness, laughable moments, and even a little romance. I enjoyed the whole story, and actually want to read more by this author, including the sequels to this book.

I did not know about this author or any of the other books she wrote before reading this one, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This novel is great, and not a run-of-the-mill sci-fi so many now are.

The characters were engaging and emotionally felt from start to finish. The main characters were wonderfully real, and their emotions and actions felt like they were right there beside you. I found myself smiling, sad, laughing, and rooting for them as their adventure unfolded. Great job.

I will be noting this author in the future; she’s a good one. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

Moon City By Martin van Balkom, A Book Review

 This was a fun read. The story was an adventure with punctures of realities that aren’t too far-fetched. In some instances, harsh and real possibilities, if history and current events of people and their nature are any indication.

Even though thoughts of ugly truths ring in your ears at times, the story still entertained. Going to the moon as easily as the story writes is probably not so far off the mark. The set on the moon is believable and then not. Using guns for control, ripping holes in the containment system, you know, so people can still breathe and live in a vacuum environment, wouldn’t be the smartest move. But then again, I felt like the book is showing just how dumb and self-absorbed people are, can be, and may very well rise in the worst of times.

Next, we have the normals and intellectuals who rise above the chaos but won’t escape the destruction caused by the controllers. There are always controllers in these situations.

It was sad, exasperating, and yet entertaining throughout the book. A lesson on people is what I took away, and the facts and creations from the exploration and colonization of the moon were all fun and interesting.

I really enjoyed the story, and I believe any sci-fi person would like it as well. Although I didn't expect the ending, it is intriguing. For the entertaining story, and clean writing, I gave this book 5 our of 5 stars.