Olufunmi Olayinka's "The Dragon Society"

Title: Insanity in a Nutshell

“The Dragon Society” by Olufunmi Olayinka

Reviewed by B. Smart

7/18/16

12:15 p.m.

What would you do for unlimited wealth and prosperity? Would you be willing to sacrifice your health, your sanity, or perhaps someone you love? In The Dragon Society by Olufunmi Olayinka, the characters join a secret society in hopes that they will become rich beyond belief. Dr. Steven Attah wants nothing more than to practice medicine and be able to provide for his family, and his friends want more or less of the same stability in a world of uncertainty. But are the characters willing to pay the ultimate price, including a lifetime membership to a dangerous cult?

From the very beginning, author Olufunmi Olayinka’s novel is laborious to read due to the author’s tendency to wander into random tangents and then catapult the reader back into the story without warning. Olayinka seldom lists details that actually contribute to the advancement of the plot or character arc, and the sentences are sometimes incredibly jumbled; they do not flow smoothly, and their order of progression does not follow any logical sequence. Furthermore, the characters do not act like real people; they are robotic and caricature-like, and nearly everything they say is a trope or a cliché. Likewise, the tone of the piece is formulaic, stiff, and forced, and it reads almost like a scientific journal.

The reader is told about the world instead of shown the setting through evocative prose. As a result, the descriptions are surface level, and the author often uses incorrect words to explain things or express ideas. Additionally, Olayinka overemphasizes the action even when it is either already implied or previously stated, yet she does not clarify concepts that require immediate explanation. The grammar mistakes, syntax issues, tense inconsistencies, and comma misuses are prolific and distracting; they completely throw the reader out.

As a thriller and as a mystery, it fails—it is predictable and cumbersome.

I give “The Dragon Society” 1 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart 

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

S. L. Saboviec's "Guarding Angel"

Title: A Publisher’s Read

“Guarding Angel” by S. L. Saboviec

Reviewed by B. Smart

3/19/16

9:07 p.m.

Guardian angel Enael’s world is shaken to the core when she meets Kaspen, a charming and mysterious angel who completely alters the way she perceives the human race. Unlike her, he empathizes with his wards, influencing them easily, and she slowly finds herself falling for him; not knowing the reason for their inescapable attraction to one another. All is well until Yasva, Kaspen’s malevolent ex-lover, renounces her place in Heaven and becomes a vengeful demon that is hell-bent on keeping the two apart. Enael has to choose between what matters to her more—the love that she has for Kaspen or her loyalty to Heaven and the humans she serves.

Author S. L. Saboviec’s novel is erotic, sensual, thrilling, and romantic. Love triangles are as old as time, but this story’s is told in an original, creative, and thought-provoking way due to its dedication to the main characters’ motivations, the supporting cast’s actions, and every individual’s choices. The relationships in the novel have catastrophic consequences for not only those involved, but the entire world. As a result, Saboviec’s captivating characters keep the reader hooked for the novel’s entirety, and her exquisitely crafted world makes one feel as if they are actually a part of the battle of good versus evil.

Guarding Angel is a satisfyingly paced, fast read with well-rounded characters and a beautifully devised plotline. There is a good balance of descriptions and dialogue which makes the story harmonious and intriguing. Featuring a courageous heroine who is willing to die for the one she loves, this novel is one that has the reader engrossed from cover to cover.

I highly recommend this to fans of the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

This is a Publisher’s Read!

I give “Guarding Angel” 5 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart

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

R. L. Kiser's "The Last Battle"

Title: Spellbound

“The Last Battle” by R. L. Kiser

Reviewed by B. Smart

11/24/15

12:05 p.m.

Imagine a world where all magic stems from a single source; a crystal filled with the knowledge of thousands of souls of generations past. Then imagine that the source becomes the object of desire of the most sinister being in the land; an ancient dark arts user who wishes to use the crystal to commit unspeakable acts of terror. In The Last Battle, the second edition in the Tales of Crystal series, author R. L. Kiser follows the lives of dauntless warriors who are willing to defend that crystal at any cost, even if it means using a destructive weapon that has been forbidden for ages.

The Last Battle is a riveting legend that tells the timeless tale of the fight between good and evil, light and darkness. Kiser creates dynamic, unforgettable characters that are courageous, powerful, and intriguing. His vast universe, which he describes using beautiful poetic imagery, is a living entity itself, acting as much on the characters as they act on it. The picture of his story and its culture that he paints is all at once unique, enticing, moving, and spellbinding.

At times, however, the novel is slow-paced and fraught with lengthy details that do not advance the action or give information about the character. In these instances, it is difficult for the reader to move forward because of the excessive exposition and limited dialogue. On the other hand, the novel sucks the reader in immediately and leaves them hungry for more. As a result, those who appreciate well flushed out characters and expertly crafted worlds will find the novel to be an enjoyable, effortless read.

I highly recommend this book to any fan of the fantasy genre, especially those who love The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter.

I give “The Last Battle” 4 out of 5 stars.

Cheers.

B. Smart

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

Eric T. Knight's "Wreckers Gate"

Title: Among the Sand Dunes

“Wreckers Gate” by Eric T Knight

Reviewed by B. Smart

9/27/15

8:03 p.m.

What if you were the one who started the apocalypse? How would you feel if everything you’ve ever known was about to be destroyed and you had no idea how to stop it? Wreckers Gate follows four different characters thrown into a world of chaos after Qarathian soldier Wulf Rome, who later becomes king, accidentally releases a vengeful god from his “unbreakable” prison when Rome retrieves a magical axe from its ancient cradle. Will the heroes of the novel save their world from Melekath and call back their long lost goddess? Or will they fall victim to their worst nightmare?

Author Eric T Knight masterfully combines both religion and tradition, clashing the two with magic and nature by building a world that is beautiful and unique, yet familiar and captivating. His powerful imagery of what is real and imaginary enthralls the reader, sucking them into each of the characters’ heads and letting them empathize with each of their perspectives. Wreckers Gate has a fascinating plot, unforgettable characters, and a vast world that readers can immerse themselves in. But don’t venture too far into the spirit world of Pente Akka, for you may not return.

Wreckers Gate is not a book for the squeamish or the fainthearted. It contains a copious amount of violence and detailed war imagery that may not be suitable for some young adult readers. This novel reads heavily with a male perspective, even in the female characters’ points of view which may be unappealing to some. Additionally, it contains an excess amount of exotic and unusual names that may confuse the reader.

However, if you like Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings, you will love this novel.

I give “Wreckers Gate” 4 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart