Category: ebook



Inner Mind/Outer Space: Four Short Stories and a Novelette by the Author of Alien WithinInner Mind/Outer Space: Four Short Stories and a Novelette by the Author of Alien Within by Karen Forrester

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After finishing Karen Forrester’s book Alien Within, I wanted more. Though I don’t like short stories because they leave me wanting more, I have to admit that I liked these stories. I think I should have read these first for my own chronology of events. So that is my recommendation.

By the way, this one was free on Smashwords but either of these books can be obtained on Amazon for $.99 each. That is quite the bargain for a bit of imaginative adventure. Inner Mind/Outer Space has the beginning of the world of Alien Within and a bonus chapter of that book.

Though I loved the sci-fi parts, I have to admit that my favorite story was one of grief and gratitude. Again, I would have liked more about the characters in that story, still I got enough to make me love them and the situations presented.

I look forward to reading more by Karen Forrester. I love her writing style and imagination.

View all my reviews


Alien Within (Sandi Nuolla Book 1)Alien Within by Karen Forrester

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay. This was more like it. A sci-fi with strong female leads. Other planets and peoples. Bad people that want to take over the Earth. All happening while we get to know a nice main character, Sandi.

I am having trouble avoiding spoilers. I guess all I can say is read it for yourself. Especially if you love sci-fi with strong females. Warning: there are LGBTQ themes, but not in ways that are overwhelming. Just the right amount for folks that are more advanced than our current population in ways of love.

This edition was given to me during an author giveaway for free-4-reviews. I feel so lucky that I was able to read it. It was fun. I miss it already! I look forward to a possible book two, please, please, please. I will read Karen Forrester’s book Inner Mind/Outer Space, just to keep the good feelings alive that I got from Alien Within.

By the way, these two books I placed in my Moon Reader Pro so that my tablet could use its text-to-speech. I do love that program. It makes reading faster and easier for me.

So, sci-fi friends, please seek these books out and enjoy!

View all my reviews


JUST ANOTHER CASUALTYJUST ANOTHER CASUALTY by Brooke Brouillette

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whew! It has taken me two days to get into a mind frame where I can write about this book. I couldn’t read it at night because of the subject matter. Kidnapping happens. This was realistic. The story was so strong that I didn’t notice any typos or grammar errors. It was all about keeping the main character alive and whole. And Brooke Brouillette, the author, made the character, Savvy, very realistic and likable.

As a parent, this story played on all my strings. One would hope your child would know how to react and stay safe. But that helpless feeling a parent has while trying to find your child, no matter how old they are, just terrifying! The reason I gave this 4 stars is only that the author wrote such a believable novel. I wouldn’t have read this book if I had known its subject matter. Just not my kind of book. There is enough of this on the news. I read for escape. So 4 stars is quite high considering.

By the way, this edition was given to me for an honest review. There you have it. If you like scary and thrillers–this is it. Thank you Ms. Brouillette for allowing me this read.

View all my reviews


FemmeFemme by Delia Strange

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Disclosure, I won this copy in an author giveaway.

New planets and beings, new mores and fashions. Talents. All the things I like in a sci-fi fantasy. But this one didn’t quite do it for me. Maybe it is not for my demographic. There was a lot of angst of the adolescent or new adult. Maybe they would actually love it. In fact, there were some lessons in the story that I thought would help many young people without being preachy.

Even so, I want to know what happens in the next book. I will try to get around to reading it as soon as I can. But, YAY! for strong Femme and sci-fi!

View all my reviews


The Desert ThiefThe Desert Thief by Daniel Patrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Daniel Patrick has done it again! This was the second book in his children/young adult series involving Lara and her locket. It is very steampunk and fun. There are new friends and dangers, including the sinister Sora who is out to kill Lara and get her locket.

The first book The Locket Thief felt very much like Golden Compass without daemons and drunken polar bears. But this had just as much action and adventure. This book made a great continuation of the first.

Daniel’s characters are fun and likable with a bad guy you love to hate. There is flying in airships and long treks through the lands below. I really like the new people. I didn’t so much at first. I didn’t understand the beginning with a differing point of view but I stuck with it and soon understood.

I have to admit that I wasn’t in a childrens’ book mood so it took a lot for me to get into it. Having it downloaded in my Moon Reader Pro helped with that as I just put on the text-to-speech and allowed the story to encompass me. Soon I couldn’t stop and found myself reading far later than I should. I blame this book for my 2PM wake up. Where does the day go when you rise so late?

If you’re looking for a fun little adventure to pull you out of your mully grubs this is the series for you.

One note, I would suggest reading both books as closely as possible if you have a memory like mine. I think I could have used more reminders like, Where did the locket come from? Why is it important? Who were the folks that died before and how did they die? Mr. Patrick did include a few clues but I could have used more.
And… I hope there will be more as I am concerned about threads that weren’t neatly tied up. At least I’m left feeling safe, no cliffhangers.

View all my reviews


Shadow Burns (Preternatural Affairs, #4)Shadow Burns by S.M. Reine

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have to admit that this is not my favorite novel or series written by Sara Reine. First of all, I don’t like that the main character is a hunky good looking guy. I prefer strong female leads.

But the redeeming characteristics for Cesar, the MC, are his self knowledge. He is able to make fun of his own faults while being perfectly honest about his abilities. AND even better, his sense of humor is tops! I spent many moments laughing out loud. That is a good thing in a book full of blood and gore. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he is a fan of Firefly and Dead Like Me! I did find those things endearing.

BUT my least favorite thing was the ending that makes me wait until the next book comes out. Grrr! At least it wasn’t a cliffhanger! AND the next book is centered on a female lead. Yay! I can’t wait!

View all my reviews


Forged: A Fantasy Short StoryForged: A Fantasy Short Story by Margaret McGaffey Fisk

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a delightful bedtime story. The strong female lead sharing her weaknesses, that are actual strengths, keep the story moving. I love that she is an apprentice to the smithy. That isn’t an easy job even for a strong boy. But she brings her full game and proves invaluable to the smithy and her community.

What I don’t like about short stories: they are short. I just barely was in love with the main character when the story ended. Please, Margaret, I want to know what happens next! I think there is a lot more than can come from this storyline.

Even so, I am glad it wasn’t gruesome or scary as some of the other books I am reading right now. Like I said it was great before bed. I think this would be a story for most people, most ages. It beats Grimm for depth and feminism.

By the way, I feel I am friends with Margaret McGaffey Fisk as she is a member of our writing group. This review, though, is my honest thoughts on a story anyone could have written. Great job, Ms. McGaffey Fisk! I want more!

View all my reviews


Hotter Than Helltown (Preternatural Affairs, #3)Hotter Than Helltown by S.M. Reine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I was given this ARC edition, by the author, for an honest review.

For something as gruesome and dark as the name implies, Hotter Than Helltown was a fast, exciting read. And funny! I can’t tell you how often I laughed out loud! And there were places of philosophy to make a person stop and think. I like that in a book. I even had to highlight a phrase or two I thought noteworthy. But I don’t want to ruin anyone else’s read by pointing the gems out. Half the fun in is discovery for yourself.

I have grown to like the self-depreciating detective turned witch, Cesar, for his humanity. Though we see him as quite the hunk, he knows he’s not the catch women might think they want. Despite himself he is the reluctant hero of this particular series, Preternatural Affairs. Though you don’t have to read all the books of the series before it, I like that I have the knowledge of S. M. Reine’s worlds.

For an ARC I see less error than I do in many publications out there today. That just proves what a professional author is capable of. Well done, Sara! I can’t wait to read the next one, already cued up!

View all my reviews


Home, Sweet Home
Home, Sweet Home by Amitis Karami

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, that was adorable! I loved the illustrations and the sweet story.

Though I found the poetry forced. It would read aloud well as the rhythm stayed true, it was more the word order that bothered me.

When I read children’s stories I imagine reading them to my four kids… when they were kids. Back then we had goats and chickens, ducks, a dog and a cat. Thank goodness we had a barn! A discussion would have followed the read. We would have talked about how nice it was for the lady to take in her cold, wet friends. How we should always try to be kind to others, golden rule recited. How our animals give us so much including food, love and laughs.

There were pages that might work better in paper form, such as the picture of the friends with the lady in the bed were cut in half. I have no idea how that could be fixed for Kindle or epub.

Thank you for sharing this sweet book with me. I would give this four stars. I thinks it is fantastic for a first!

View all my reviews


Silver Bullet Silver Bullet by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another quick read. The only reason it took me so long was because it was a bit too intense to read before bed.I must admit that even as distressing as the story became, there was enough humor to offset it.

This will not go down as my favorite S.M. Reine series. I like the others that are with female leads. Riley is so sweet and strong. Elise was a tough cookie and even though she ended up a demon, she always fought for what was good. Cesar is mostly boring to me. And the worst part of the story is that the women in this series are mostly arm-candy.

All that said, the story itself is engaging. I want to know what is going to happen next. And since this one is set in Reno-Tahoe area, I felt quite involved. AND I look forward to the next book in the series, Hotter Than Helltown.

Keep cranking them out, Sarah! Your books are always unique and fun.

By the way, this was a free read for honest review.

View all my reviews

Amin Academy

Education, Information, Motivation

WhatIf.in.net - Alternate Realities

Where Curiosity Meets Creativity

Luso Loonie — Devin Meireles

Portuguese-Canadian Writing About This Portuguese Thing of Ours

UNDER THE WILL... OVER THE DRAMA...

Inheritance. Narcissism. Turf. Welcome to the family.

Selma

Finding the extra in the ordinary

Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Hunza

Travel,Tourism, precious story "Now in hundreds of languages for you."

IsabellaJoshua

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth

Histopedia

story telling from history

KaustubhaReflections

Where ancient wisdom meets modern technology. Stories that illuminate the wonders of science, culture, and life — crafted with human creativity and a touch of AI magic.

Roads Lesser Traveled

Life is just down the road lesser traveled....

Enlarge my heart

In the Quiet Space of a Benedictine Heart: Seeking God in Every Moment

A.M. Barnich

My Author Page

TheEnlightenedMind622

Open Your Mind