Eric T. Knight's "Watching the End of the World"

Title: Would You Survive?

Watching the End of the World by Eric T Knight

Reviewed by K. Royce

2/21/16

4:00 p.m.

Reality TV has become a huge part of society and anyone looking to get rich quick should look no further than an audition. A group of contestants, five men and 5 women, signed up thinking they were traveling to Madagascar to participate on a show in which Survivor meets The Real World. However, on their way to the island there is a major terrorist attack, the island closes its borders, and the contestant’s plane crashes in some jungle in Africa. These contenders now must survive while watching the rest of world crumble.

This book has a plot that once you think you have figured it out, you probably have, however, the twists are still there. The story is well-written and it is a page turner throughout, not once slowing down. From start to finish the reader will be captivated. Although the plot is not too unexpected, honestly, it is just that good. My adrenaline did not slow down until I read the last word.

Eric Knight has written a novel that if it ever were to become a reality I would be terrified and yet enthralled. The ideas he presents in this read speaks to the very nature of society, as it is today. We are desensitized to horrific acts, we can’t turn away, like a bad car wreck you have to keep looking. While it was not a mystery book nor that difficult to deduce where they plot was heading, the ideas presented are very intriguing. It could be seen as a glimpse into the future of TV if the right people and the right prices are involved.  With all the dystopian and zombie apocalypse movies and books filling the shelves this book was a great change of pace. It was a good dose of reality.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy!

K. Royce

Maggie M. Larche's "The Mardi Gras Chase"

Title: Masks, Mayhem, Mysteries & More!

“The Mardi Gras Chase” by Maggie M. Larche

Reviewed by B. Smart

2/18/16

4:28 p.m.

Love puzzles, clues, and hidden treasure hunts? The Mardi Gras Chase is a heart-warming story about three friends in Mobile, Alabama who go on an adventure to decipher a mysterious code hidden in the Mardi Gras parades. 12-year-old Melanie Smythurst is bored of her small town and wishes desperately that her life was more interesting. Her dream comes true one night when she notices crooked letters on some of the parade floats. As Melanie and her two friends Faye and Kate collect more clues and delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover one of the biggest secrets they could have ever imagined.

Author Maggie M. Larche tells a wonderfully fun tale filled with humor, heart, and wit. Her characters are endearing, energetic, and clever and the reader roots for them until the very end. It is enjoyable, fast-paced, and a must-read during the Mardi Gras season. The Mardi Gras Chase is a story about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and trust. The three friends stick together in the best of times and the worst of times- even if it means braving a spooky graveyard or sneaking into a sketchy warehouse.

The Mardi Gras Chase tends to be a little under-detailed and dialogue-heavy at times, but this is to be expected for a middle-grade read. Larche’s characters appear goofy and surface-level, but that is part of their charm; they also have immense courage, sharp minds, and kind hearts. Melanie, Faye, and Kate would do anything for the ones they love which sets a great example for children of all ages.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, wholesome mystery.

I give “The Mardi Gras Chase” 4 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart

L.D. Rose's "Releasing the Demons"

Title: A Publisher’s Read!!!

“Releasing the Demons” by L. D. Rose

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

12/20/2015

10:02 a.m.

Sick of hairy werewolves and heatless vampires? Word on the street, the time of the beasts is dwindling…, well that was until L.D. Rose’s “Releasing the Demons.” A story about a haunted hybrid and his gorgeous, but dangerous brothers, which has reader’s hearts pulsating with caution all the while blushing as they become intoxicated by the bother’s human quality of compassion.

Readers are invited into a world in which earth is plagued by blood thirsty leeches. And while mankind attempts to extinguish these predators, the truth of the matter is they are losing the fight. With the help of the “superheroes,” as they are called by the citizens within the book, we learn that these heroes are governmental, scientific creatures that are both monster and protectors. These hybrids, all of whom are capable of controlling their internal beast, fight to restore the world. However, there is one…, Blaze. Yes, he is everything one can image simply by speaking his name. Blaze, the bad boy with a chip on his shoulder with his exotic features and body of a god is captured and tortured by a leech, Cyrus, who craves power and strength. Yet, in order for Cyrus to obtain it, Blaze will be mentally and physically tormented until he releases the leech buried inside of him. And guess what folks? You are going to love it!

Rose does not saturate the story with sappy love, instead the author stays true to the characteristics of the beasts as well as their human side. Brilliantly scaling the lines between viciousness, violence, heated sex, and romance readers will find themselves bingeing as they crave for more. Never before has an author been able to satisfy every yearning, but Rose has done just that.

It is my hope that this is not the end of the Order of the Senary, because this is the new #mustread and we book lovers have not had enough of Blaze or his brothers.   

I give “Releasing the Demons” 5 out of 5 stars and title it “A Publisher’s Read.”

Happy Reading

H.L. Leroy's "Remember the Dead"

Title: Not Your Typical Bottle of Jack

“Remember the Dead” by H.L. Leroy

Reviewed by B. Smart

10/29/15

7:58 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of a famous detective? Well you’ll get the chance to if you pick up H.L. Leroy’s novella Remember the Dead, a mystery thriller that takes place in the world of author J.A. Konrath. The story follows Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels and Jillian Varela, a private investigator from California, who work together to catch a sadistic serial killer known only as the “Parkside Strangler.” With her job on the line and Chicago politicians breathing down her neck, Jack races against time to solve the case before it’s too late.

Author H.L. Leroy weaves together an incredibly entertaining cast of characters together to tell a riveting story about drugs, sex, and murder. His witty dialogue, unforgettable scenes, and fascinating plot twists make it impossible to put the story down and leave you hungry for more. At times piece is outrageously funny, disarmingly clever, and yet deadly serious which is how it’s able to grip the reader’s attention and not let go. Featuring a strong female protagonist with enough sass to blow up the city, this novella has the reader hanging on Jack’s every word and rooting for her until the very end.

Remember the Dead is heavily cliché at times, but still enjoyable because of the snappy storyline. From time to time it is difficult to read because, although it’s intended for a mature audience, it reads like a YA fiction due to its simple, concise writing. Moreover, the reader is often told what is happening instead of shown the scene through detailed imagery. Additionally, the characters come off as caricatures which is why some of their mannerisms come off as unbelievable at times.

However, this novella is still a fun and intriguing read.

I give “Remember the Dead” 3 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart

Kayti Nika Raet's "Niko"

Title: A Publisher’s Read

“Niko:The Outsider Chronicles Book One” by Kayti Nika Raet

Reviewed by V

06/21/2015

7: 05 p.m.

The world has become a dark place… Most of the water has been contaminated; getting caught in the rain in this place would be detrimental. Resources are slim, and many people are dying of starvation and water contamination. Not to mention, there are monsters roaming in the shadows of the night ripping out peoples’ hearts. Amongst the final survivors, seventeen-year-old Niko copes with the madness that has become her world in order to take care of her two younger brothers. But when she comes back from a scavenge to find her house burning down and crawling with Slithers, Niko faces her largest challenge: dealing with the death of a brother, and trying to recover a lost one.

The first book of a fictional series, Niko is a harrowing story of a young girl doing whatever it takes to find her brother. This novel is jammed-packed with action, discovery, and well-developed characters.

Author Kayti Nika Raet creates a strong, female hero that faces her worst fears for her family. The content will have you rooting for Niko; cheering and crying along with her as she continues on her journey. It is definitely the beginning of a great series, comparable to The Hunger Games saga.

If you enjoy an action-packed story of a hero, you will not be able to put this book down. Raet does a great job of throwing the reader into a brand new world, while subtly explaining the setting through context clues. It’s hard to get lost, and yet you don’t feel like you’re reading a lot of explanation and background. It is very well written.

This is a Publisher’s Read!

I give “Niko” 5 out of 5 stars.

Peter S. Fogg's "Captured Mind"

Title: A Publisher’s Read

Captured Mind by Peter S. Fogg

Reviewed by T’s Blogging
May 10, 2015
8:41 p.m.

So many of us select books purely for entertainment. But what happens when you, the reader, become entrapped in a prophetic tale that leaves you in awe? A message that seems to be written solely for you. Or maybe the message was so intense, you felt as if you were reading a forbidden book that’s been hidden for centuries. Upon reading Peter S. Fogg’s "Captured Mind" that is exactly how readers will feel.

The entire story reads like a historic, classic with religion, science (which is always interesting), and universal laws nestled throughout. The downside though, there was very little jaw-dropping action. However, with every flip of the page readers will experience these life changing “Ah-ha moments.” This book is filled with a spiritual undertone and answers the true purpose of self-thought.

Justice, Fogg’s main character, seems to take Christ-like position within the story as the state of the world rests upon his shoulders. Justice must decide if life is better if all minds are captured or if they should be free to experience freedom of choice and thought. While each side pleads their case throughout the book, in hopes of him carrying out their plans, Justice unravels truths that will blow readers minds! Book lovers will find themselves questioning what they believe, and will discover that Fogg’s book is not just a great fictional tale. No, it is a story that holds truths in which individuals should explore the depths of the many different messages.

There is one quote that I just have to share, which showcases the depths of the wisdom within this novel: “Think positive. Envision your rest as you become more deprived. Envision your success as you endure more failure. Do not fuel despair with false truth. Instead, battle despair with hope. Fight despair with effort.” ~ Peter S. Fogg

I give Captured Mind 5 out of 5 stars!

Happy reading,

T’s Blogging
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com