Amy Braun's "Damnation's Door"

Title: Blood is Thicker than Water

Damnation’s Door by Amy Braun

Reviewed by K. Royce

10/31/16

9:00 p.m.

Connie and Dro are two sisters who are very close, well as close as people can get when one of them is the offspring of an angel and demon. After opening the gates of both Heaven and Hell it is up to these two sisters and their band of misfits, to fight both Lucifer and Michael, the archangel, all while trying to close the gates and keep Lucifer away from his daughter, Dro. Not to mention, Dro has major internal struggles and Connie…well, she is constantly trying to be the tough older sister who refuses to let anyone get emotionally close to her. But can Connie protect Dro from herself? And how can anyone stop the devil from taking what he believes belongs to him, his daughter?

Damnation’s Door has a cyclic story that follows closely to the plots of the first two novels in the series. The story is written in first person narration told by Connie, so the readers get insights into her thinking and justifications of her actions. She is over protective, and the reader is reminded countless times every chapter. The writing is quite repetitive, almost a quarter of the book is descriptions of fight scenes, which are very descriptive and shows the authors strengthens. However, part of the downfall is there needs to be new scenes to write about and an expansion of the character’s personalities.

Amy Braun created a world that brings together the supernatural realm of heaven and hell in an epic battle. Damnation’s Door is interesting enough to captivate readers who are looking for a good quick read.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy!

K. Royce

Rival Gates' "Mandrean Revenge"

Title:  A Thrilling Journey

“Mandrean Revenge” by Rival Gates

Reviewed by M. Windholtz

9/12/16

9:36 pm

Half-elf, Linvin Grithinshield, has seen much in his life as he journeyed across the world of Lavacia to claim the Red Sapphire, a powerful magic stone. However, the nefarious Lord Mandrean carries out a search to fully empower the Red Sapphire’s parallel Blue Sapphire, with the intentions of using its power to destroy Linvin. With a string of assassins set on hunting Linvin down, the main character finds himself journeying across nations to free his kidnapped uncle and to put an end to Lord Mandrean’s plots, once and for all.

Despite the massive amounts of success and wealth Linvin has gained in his past adventures, he is a likable character who does not allow his accomplishments to identity him. He is prone to helping the less fortunate and is weary towards the burden of his name and fame, something unseen in many other novels where characters are well-known. This makes Linvin a much more compelling hero than is often found in fantasy, and a hero readers are sure to become attached to.

The downside to this read, the novel dragged with in-depth discussions of politics and business that at times seemed unnecessary to help carry the plot forward. The plot was also liable to employ clichés, but author Rival Gates navigates through it with her stellar characterizations. Readers come to understand the many relevant characters’ motivations and schemes, giving a more full appreciation of the mechanizations of the novel. While Lord Mandrean is framed as the villain, readers still have the opportunity to appreciate and sympathize with him.

Gates has an ability to make characters that surpass their archetypes and become characters that entrance and enthrall readers. This, paired with the adventure and action of the narration, make this novel an excellent, must read.

I give “Mandrean Revenge” 4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy,

M. Windholtz

Jack Alriksson's "The Call of Gelduur"

Title: Adventure for the Ages

“The Call of Gelduur” by Jack Alriksson

Reviewed by M. Windholtz

9/5/16

6:09 pm

Each year, Norrlanders set out to sea from their homeland in search of plunder and glory. Ivar Skullcleaver is a skilled warrior with a fondness for reading, seizes leadership aboard one of the ships in a Norrlander fleet. All seems well for the sailors until they sail into a massive storm and are shipwrecked on the foreign coast of Ingorle. Captured as slaves and forced to fight mysterious creatures of the forest, the Norrlanders rally behind Ivar in their pursuit of freedom and defeat of their Ingorlian captors.

Part adventure, part fantasy, “The Call of Gelduur” is a lively, humorous romp that will have readers laughing and turning the page with equal measure. The characters’ comical banter and fights are extremely amusing and the fast pace of the plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The histories of the many peoples that populate the fantasy land are told in stories as recollected to the characters, enriching both their minds and the reader’s as well as further immersing book lovers in the world.

Ivar and his companions are compelling characters, who exhibit their grey morals both thinly and proudly as they fight both friend and foe. No matter how readers feel about some of the greyer moments, they cannot help but cheer for the Norrlanders as they win their fights and hope their situation improves when it is a negative one.

Author Jack Alriksson puts his readers directly in the action with his descriptions of the intense fights, boisterous conversations, and colorful settings. And while the story telling favors telling over showing a few times too many, Alriksson still uses a fresh narrative voice. At times, it is nearly as if the narrator is in the room speaking directly to the reader.

Anyone who enjoys fantasy novels will surely take pleasure in following Ivar’s journey.

I give “The Call of Gelduur” 4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy!

M. Windholtz

Philip Benz's "The GreenSeed Conspiracy"

Title: Hot Shots and Gun Shots

“The GreenSeed Conspiracy” by Philip Benz

Reviewed by B. Smart

6/13/16

1:36 p.m.

Duncan Stone is the perfect soldier. He’s a straight shooter and a team player—one of the good guys. Stone works for the government and does everything he’s told—until one day when he fails a critical mission which results in him getting stuck with guard duty at an old warehouse. Later, he’s given the chance to prove himself in order to get back in the ring. However, after discovering the unscrupulousness of the side he’s on, Stone decides to go up against the one body he swore he’d protect. The GreenSeed Conspiracy is about one man’s uphill battle against a powerful, corrupt government that negotiates with ruthless gangs to fight terrorism at any cost.

Author Philip Benz makes the reader feel as though they are a part of a real live action movie; his prose is gripping, visceral, and tantalizing. The novel has an exceptional storyline and fascinating characters that struggle with obeying morally questionable orders from their superiors and listening to what their guts tell them. Benz makes the reader question the lengths the characters go to complete their missions and follow commands, leaving the reader to imagine real-world implications. The novel suggests that choosing between one’s country and one’s principles is never an easy or a simple choice.

The GreenSeed Conspiracy, while engaging and stimulating, weakens in momentum near the second half. It has a lot of potential, but loses the reader due to the excessive third person point of view jumping. As a result, the reader forgoes attachment to several key characters and is indifferent to their respective fates. Furthermore, the novel is over loaded with military jargon and exhaustive detail about the weapons used which may be unappealing to some readers. Horrifyingly grisly at some points and extremely explicit, this novel is not for the faint of heart.

Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable read with an interesting enough plot. Fans of The Running Man or Brave New World will love this novel.

I give “The GreenSeed Conspiracy” 3 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart

Amy Braun's "Storm Born"

Title: Couldn’t Get Enough

“Storm Born” by Amy Braun  

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

5/2/2016

9:36 p.m.

Talk about a riveting and action packed tale that keeps readers devouring each page. Avid readers, there is nothing on book shelves in comparisons to author Amy Braun’s young adult novel, “Storm Born.” Staying true to her strong female protagonist, Amy introduces readers to Ava, a common girl in a not so ordinary situation. The story is set during a time of the Centennial in which earth is being plagued by Stormkinds, amazingly gifted and strong creatures that feed on human life sources. As a storm floods Florida, the wealthy are safely tucked underground, meanwhile, the less-fortunate are forced to remain above ground only to be battered and killed. But rest assured, Amy introduces readers to a trio of warriors whose sole purpose is to return the hungry heathens back to their cages; but trust me when I say, “It is not that cut and dry.”  

The foundation of this story has such a powerful meaning and focuses a spotlight on the destruction human-beings inflict upon mother earth. Using the Stormkind as a voice for the elements in which many people take for granted, readers are given the opportunity to see what could happen if wind, water, lightening and forth, were controlled by creatures.  

Masterfully weaving reader’s reality into a fictional world, the author leaves book lovers with a thought provoking last impression they can appreciate. Moreover, she gives romance lovers just enough intimacy that causes their cheeks to turn crimson red, especially when the blue-eyed hunk known as Hadrain is introduce. There is so many layers to this story that this short review is incapable of even capturing the heart of this tale. With an epic ending that warms the heart along with a subtleness of true love shown throughout the book, one thing is for certain, “The author out-did herself this time.”

I give “Storm Born” 5 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading

T’s Blogging 

Amy Braun's "Crimson Sky"

Title: Firecracker or nah?

“Crimson Sky” by Amy Braun  

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

1/9/2016

9:58 p.m.

Claire is the key, but how in the hell will this teenager rid the world of the blood sucking killers known as the Hellions?

Author Amy Braun invites young adult readers into a world that has been invaded by monsters, leaving the humans to become prey and fuel. No longer listed as being at the top of the food chain, humans take to the underground tunnels in hopes of simply surviving. With the predators waiting above ground, Claire, Braun’s main character, finds herself seeking refuge under the thumb of a lunatic, Garnet. He is the epitome of an egotistic, selfish, emotionless prick that will cause reader’s lips to curl.    

Like so many, Claire decides it is better to deal with the human monster rather than attempt to relocate and faceoff with the Hellions. The only issue…the way fate is setup, eventually she will have to deal with them both.

Readers will enjoy the ease of the story as it plays out on paper as well as in their minds. Braun knows exactly how much enough is, and answers some questions while leaving countless others floating in the air. One thing is for certain this author keeps reader’s hearts thumping with explosive scenes and heart wrenching endings. Everyone has secrets, and as the truth shines its light on the darkness, readers will be surprised by the unexpected. But this is what really makes Braun the next must read author, she is not afraid to kill off anyone. No one is safe, not even Braun’s main characters, or are they?

Crimson Sky is fantastic, and offers such an amazing start to what appears to be a great series. Cannot wait for book 2.

I give “Crimson Sky” 5 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading

T’s Blogging

Erin Moynahan by Brian George

Title: Publisher’s Read

Erin Moynahan by Brian George

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

09/17/15

10:07 a.m.

Death is quickly approaching and there's nothing anyone can do, but for whatever reason Erin's parents, refuses to allow the disease to kill her. With no other choice but to try an experimental drug on their child something spectacular takes place, and the young girl will never be the same. 

From the very beginning of this YA novel, readers will become absorbed in a tale that evolves into an action-pack read. Author Brian George starts the story out by taking readers on a sentimental journey, allowing them to witness a dying child at the sea of death who eventually matures into a raging killing machine. Talk about a twisting plot. In the beginning readers are shown the importance of life, only to be taught the need to survive by any means necessary even if that involves taking the lives of others. But the question avid readers and booklovers want answered: Is this book worth your time reading or your money?

Hands down…, this is a phenomenal book. While at times the story and certain scenes read rushed, George makes up for the shortcoming by telling a story that allows readers to become emotionally and imaginatively invested. This is indeed a #mustread.

I give Erin Moynahan 5 out of 5 stars and rate this a Publisher's Read.

Happy Reading,

T’s Blogging 

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.