Category: Kindle



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


Life of PiLife of Pi by Yann Martel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you see the movie? I did, a few times. I loved it. I rarely like reading a book after seeing the movie. The pictures imprint in my mind of characters and places which can mess with my own interpretations of what I read. But the movie followed the book so well that I didn’t need to divorce myself from the movie. It was like watching the deluxe version of the movie with bits that maybe had to land on cutting room floor for time constraints. As usual the book got more into the mind of the main character. But not a lot more. With the ongoing narrative in the movie, you were able to get into his head anyway.

I was better able to enjoy this book because I was able to borrow it through Amazon’s Kindle-Unlimited program and then I picked up the Whisper-synch for voice. By speeding up the narrator’s voice, I was able to read the book in a more comfortable speed for me without losing the brilliant narration. By the way, there were actually two narrators: Jeff Woodman and Alexander Marshall. To tell you the truth, I don’t know who was who. But whoever it was they did an excellent job.

You know, I feel I may have to read this again sometime. I loved the time on the ocean and then on that little island. I still feel I can taste the salt spray and see the fluorescent brine in the night sea. I will probably watch the movie again. There is a depth to the character and plot that feels healing to me.

View all my reviews


Molly: House on FireMolly: House on Fire by R.E. Bradshaw

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love, love, love Decky books. Decky is the nickname of the author, R.E. Bradshaw. I have read many of her stories. Her writing is enjoyable. She brings the reader into her worlds. We sit in on all the adventures. I hope someday her stories will become movies or television series. They are worth it!

What was most exciting about Molly: House on Fire? Characters from Ms. Bradshaw’s previous novels appeared and are there to help out in this thriller. I love when authors do that.

The mystery kept me guessing. I did figure out who but I couldn’t figure out the how or why as I read. The ending was a bit of a surprise. AND it feels like more could be written on Molly and her life. Yay!

This was such and exciting tale that I had to move a couple books from my “to read” to my “currently reading” shelf. Great job, Decky!

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


Out on the Panhandle (The Adventures of Decky and Charlie, #2)Out on the Panhandle by R.E. Bradshaw

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the Decky and Charlie stories. This couple has such a nice relationship. I love how the real Decky (R.E. Bradshaw) creates believable characters and stories. And the way the author presents family life. In these stories, Decky’s mom is bipolar. This is portrayed well as Decky tries to live an uncomplicated life with her new love.

In this book, Decky researches the history of Charlie’s family ranch. It is an education for all who read about the Comanche tribe and the troubles they had with the white invaders. I was glad I was reading this on Columbus Day. It made me feel I was celebrating the Native Ameican Day as it should be called.

Okay, I have to admit, though, I wasn’t completely thrilled with the book. The first part felt forced. The dialogue didn’t ring true, or something. Not sure I can pin it down. But after the story got off the ground, I was hooked. It wasn’t quite the thriller the last book was but it still had its share of adventure and action. Meanwhile, I learned a lot about the Comanche tribe and the Panhandle of Oklahoma.

Oh, and did I mention–horses? Yep. There are horses. That made me very happy. (My twelve-year-old self was galloping along with the characters.

I am looking forward to reading more by R.E. Bradshaw.

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


Like Water and WaterLike Water and Water by Sarah Ettritch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Sarah Ettritch’s writing. She takes the reader deep into the heads of her characters. She pushes these characters into uncomfortable situations and lets them deal with it accordingly. This story is no exception.

I highly recommend reading this story. My only problem is just that, it is a short story. I always want more. I want to know what happens next. Maybe Ms. Ettritch will consider writing more about these particular characters???

View all my reviews


KinflicksKinflicks by Lisa Alther

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was recommended by a GoodReads group I belong to.

Once, again, I finished a book when I wasn’t able to write the review. Now in the midst of the current read, I have to remember the feelings of the previous literary adventure.

Let’s work backward. I felt the ending left much to be desired. Even though this is a hefty novel, I wanted to know what happened next. Is it possible there is a part two out there?

Okay, now it is coming back to me. I remember this getting off to a slow start. I wanted to move on to other reads. But there was something about the main character that had me curious to see what this was all about.

Oh, and the problem of POV and changing from first to third person. Argh! I couldn’t figure it out. It seemed like a mistake but then I read some of the reviews on GoodReads and realized that it was a tool used to separate then and now. Still, I could have done without that shifting.

I loved the dark, death themes that this family seemed involved in. Notice the word ‘seemed’, as in the end that might be questioned.

This was a coming of age story. Yet it involves a lot of the human experience, old amd young alike. I would think this would be best read by new adults or older, younger readers might not recognize the rebelious nature presented.

And we’ve come full circle… In the end, I was very glad to have read it, experienced life from another’s eyes. Now I need to see if I can get ahold of a sequel.

View all my reviews

THE AVOERIA ARCHIVE

The Depth Behind The Ordinary

Life of Chaz

Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.

Pieces Of My Heart

"Words & Wonders - Where thoughts meet art

💫The Afterlove Voice💫

Justice, Channeling,Spiritual,Astrology,Truth- Seeker.

Amin Academy

Education, Information, Motivation

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

Creative

Travel,Tourism, Life style "Now in hundreds of languages for you."

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth

Histopedia

story telling from history