Welcome!

In this blog I will be reviewing ebooks I have read. I use an amazon Kindle, so much of the information will be geared towards Kindle users, but other ereader users should still find the information helpful. Many of the books I will be reviewing are free or low-cost books published by independent authors, my goal is to get the word out about some amazing authors that I think deserve more props, and to let you know which books are not worth the time reading. I am open to suggestions, about information you'd like me to add or new books I should check out and review.
Contact me at CassandrasBeads@Gmail.com

Monday, January 30, 2012

Unlucky In Death by Dan Dillard

Type: Short Story
Genre: Vampire/Paranormal
Price: Free when purchased, now $0.99
Grade: B


What happens when a random guy, walking down the street gets bit by a hippy vampire who doesn’t believe in killing people because he was a vegan in his life? Not only does the random guy wake up a vampire, but he happens to be a hemophobic (afraid of blood), and has yet to grow in his fangs. Well, what any self respecting starving vampire would do, he goes to a shrink, one with late night hours of course.

A cute, campy, funny short story that only takes a few minutes to read.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Glimmer (Zellie Wells Trilogy book 2) By Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Type: Novel
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Price: $3.99
Grade: A


Normal 16 year old girls are not home schooled pastor’s daughters. Normal 16 year old girls do not find out that their dead grandma is actually alive and apart of a secret society. Normal 16 year old girls do not see glimpses of the future and frequently have to rewind time to save people’s lives. Normal 16 year old girls have not found their soul mate already, but are forced to stay away from him because being with him will assure his certain death. But Zellie Wells is not a normal 16 year old girl.

This second book in the Zellie Wells trilogy is sure to please. It packs more action, mystery, suspense and danger than the first book, and not only are Zellie and her powers maturing, but her relationship with Avery does as well, but that doesn’t mean that all is going well, quite the contrary! It is an easy read, but that does not mean that it won’t keep you on the edge of your seat!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Glimpse (Zellie Wells book 1) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Type: Novel
Genre: YA, paranormal
Price: Free when purchased, now $0.99
Grade: B+


A sweet, romantic story with an interesting paranormal twist. Teenagers Zellie and Avery have pined after each other for ages and when they experience their first kiss they finally seem to be getting everything they've wanted, until a recurring vision becomes troubling and leads to a whole slew of mysteries to unravel.
The paranormal twist in this story is unique, and not quite expected and makes this story definitely worth checking out. It is backed up by sweet, endearing teenage characters and a plot that though a bit slow and subtle at first, still draws you in and then becomes much quicker paced and more exciting.
An easy but entertaining read, and I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.
*Note, if you plan to read all three books in the series, consider buying the trilogy together, and you will save about a dollar. (I will be reviewing the other books as soon as I finish them!)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Lily Marin - three short steampunk stories by Paul Kater

Type: Short Story Compilation
Genre: Steampunk
Price: Free
Grade: B+

Lily Marin is a mild mannered singer by day, and crime fighting bad ass by night. She has a slew of interesting gadgets to help her, but she seems to have a few secrets as well. The stories are full of fast paced action, fight scenes and a good amount of criminal butt-kicking.  Lily was not born a superhero, she never expected her life to turn out like that, all she wanted to do was be a better singer. The first two stories show us what Lily can do, or at least what her alter ego the “Masked Woman” can do. The third story answers some of the nagging questions the first two brought up. Namely, how did sweet and gentle singer Lily become a vigilante, and how does she have such super human qualities?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Assassin's Curse by Lindsay Buroker

Type: Short Story
Genre: Action/Adventure/Steampunk
Price: $0.99
Grade: A+

This Emperor's Edge short story features Amaranthe and Sicarius and is nail-bitingly exciting. When Amaranthe sees a potential good deed to be done, she jumps at the idea. When those they are chasing flee to a mysterious island, suddenly Sicarius apprehensive. Though Amarathe is surprised by this reaction she does't let it stop her, but perhaps she should have.
This story is a bit more dark and mystical then the other EE stories, but it works very well. I found this to be my favorite of the EE short stories so far, and I hope it will hold over all EE fans until book 4 comes out! And any Sicarius fans will love this story for a myriad of reasons, of which you will have to find out for yourself!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Shear Desperation:The Chronicles of Shame by Tim Elliott

Type: Novel
Genre: Fiction
Price: $2.99 (on smashwords)
Grade: A


Shear Desperation is a roller coaster of a story, it will have you laughing one minute, and the next you will feel pity, then shame, and possibly a bit of shock now and then. It is a character driven story written in a diary or confessional type style. Bryan, who is a loser by every sense of the term, but also the most endearing character you will ever meet, goes through a myriad of trials when he just wanted to get through his life from day to day. He works in a profession where everyone mistakes him for being gay, has to hear horrific stories from his clients day in and day out, and deal with the most tormenting affliction known to man: unrequited love.  A few small things start to fall into place for Bryan and he thinks that there may be a few rays of hope left in his sad, lonely life, but things always look brightest before the storm, and soon it all comes crashing down around him.

Bryan is the type of guy every girl wants as a best friend, and he is both loveable, and repulsive and completely non-sexual, at least to everyone who Isn’t Bryan. He is a colorful character, who has many hidden depths, and is so true to life that you can picture him being the guy next door. He is backed up by a bevy of colorful characters that only add to the story’s dynamic.  This story is dark and a bit disturbing, but is punctuated by bits of hilarity, like a gay bachelor party complete with the Thriller dance, and a catfish named Steve Buscemi.
Buy this book at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/horkeytim

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Alexander Death (The Paranormals Book 3) By JL Bryan

Type: Novel
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Price: $4.99
Grade: B


The third book in the Paranormals series takes us further into the lives of Jenny, Seth, Ashleigh, and the other paranormals in their epic, centuries long battle. This book gets even darker than the others, and for a while it isn’t clear where our allegiances are supposed to lie, and who we are supposed to be rooting for, but after many twists and turns, it all becomes clear in the end.

This book is a satisfying conclusion to the series and you’ll leave it glad you read them, and glad to know the characters who have developed so thoroughly throughout the three books. This series has been an interesting twist on the “teens with special powers” idea and I found it new and refreshing.

Vanessa, the Foul Mouthed Dream Catcher, and Fed Up, by Tim Elliott

Type: Short Stories
Genre: Fiction
Price: Free (on smashwords)
Grade: A+


Vanessa, The Foul-Mouthed Dream Catcher

Whatever you think this story is going to be, it isn’t. A delightful, dark, and witty story from new author Tim Elliott. What starts out as a simple, straightforward story, quickly becomes one that makes you pause, contemplate, re-read, and then contemplate some more. The ideas are interesting, and quite possibly true enough that you will be sure to think about them hours, days, or weeks later. I highly recommend everyone check out this story, and keep an eye out for this author in the future.


Fed Up

This story offers a more light-hearted comedy with a unique and intriguing style, and a fascinating look at humanity from some very different perspectives. As the story goes, it gets more whimsical and it seems like there is no guessing which direction it will go in next. Not only will it entertain and release a few chuckles, but it may have you wondering, just a little bit, about a few strange perspectives yourself.

Get both stories for free at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/horkeytim

Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles) by Kady Cross

Type: Novel
Genre: Steampunk
Price: $7.16
Grade: A


Anyone who has read The Strange Case of Finley Jayne is no doubt intrigued and delighted by Miss Finley Jayne, and this full length novel is sure to please. Finley finds that it is getting more and more difficult to control her “dark side” and begins to wonder what will become of her, when something extraordinary happens, and she finds herself in the one place she Never expected. A whirlwind of events occur and she quickly finds herself caught up in an amazing, and dangerous adventure, and along the way finds out not only more about her parents and her past, but about her strange affliction as well.

This story is rich and exciting, and is impossible to put down! It has lively characters, fabulous gadgets, love triangles galore, and a sprinkling of magic. If you haven’t already, you will fall in love with the strong, tough, fighting Finley and her fabulous steel corset!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Impulse Control (Talent Chronicles) by Susan Bischoff

Type: Short Story (50 pages)
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Price: Free
Grade: B+


This is a stand alone short story that is a part of the Talent Chronicles. Suddenly, there are people sprouting up all over the world with special Talents. These people possess a myriad of supernatural skills that the government ultimately fears, and wants to use to it's own gain. So schools are set up to "teach" these children, but what happens when a group of super powerful teenagers is locked away from their friends and family and has every aspect of their life regulated by the government?

This story involves a shapeshifter, a telepath, a girl who can fix anything, and a boy who can make you do whatever he wants you to. And they have children to save.

Encrypted by Lindsay Buroker

Type: Novel
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Steampunk
Price: $3.95
Grade: A+


A stand alone novel set in the same world as the Emperor's Edge series, this book will appeal to fantasy, sci-fi and puzzle fiends. With it's usal nail-biting action, fight scenes, mysteries to solve, and loveable characters, this is a book I'd recommend to anyone who has enjoyed Lindsay's work before, or anyone who hasn't.
Though it takes place chronologically before The Emperor's Edge, this book can be read at any point and enjoyed (even if you haven't read EE yet). We get to see some of the Kyatt islands, as well as get to know the peaceful and scientific Kyattese people and the stark contrast they pose with the Turgonians. This book has more elements of science fiction in it than most of Lindsay's books, but die hard fantasy fans will not find it displeasing.
And, if you need extra incentive, we get to see our favorite assassin as a teenager in this story (although that does not make him any less deadly) and find out the origins of his favorite black dagger.

Tommy Nightmare (The Paranormals Book 2) by JL Bryan

Type: Novel
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Price: $2.99
Grade: B+


This is the second book in the Paranormals series, following Jenny Pox, and it is as captivating as the first book. We start off by meeting Tommy, an enigmatic character who we never quite figure out. We also get to see what happens after the events in Fallen Oak and the outbreak of Jenny Pox. Jenny and Seth go through many trials in this story and we see Jenny dealing with a lot, from the emotional ramafications of what she has done, to worrying about the CDC disecting her, all while attempting to finish high school and worry about the future.
Not only do we get to see more of our favorite characters, we get to know more about their circumstances, and their past lives. We also get to meet a bevy of new and exciting paranormals in this book, including Tommy Nightmare, Alexander Death and more. If you enjoyed the first book in the series you will no doubt enjoy this one as well, it is entertaining and engrossing and I look forward to reading the third book, Alexander Death.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Deadly Games (The Emperor's Edge Book 3) By Lindsay Buroker

Type: Novel
Genre: Action/Adventure/Steampunk/Fantasy
Price: $4.95
Grade: A++

This is the third installment in the Emperor's Edge series and like the other books it does not fail to excite and entertain. I found this book to be the most nerve-wracking and nail-biting book yet and I could not put the book down, finishing it in less than a day. I admit that my attachment to the story may be that after three books, and three short stories, I have a lot invested in the characters at this point, but this adventure also seems a touch more dangerous than before (hard to top their other dangerous adventures, I know). The author plans to write a book with each of the crew as a secondary character, the second book was Books's story, and this is Basilard's story, though arguably this is also Sicarius's story. We find out more about both of these characters in this story, about Basilard's history and current mindset and about the changes that Sicarius finds himself going through. The author has mentioned in interviews that Sicarius is never going to become a hero. And I don't think he should, but that does not mean that we don't get to understand him better, and that he doesn't get to change (however slight these changes may be). Amaranthe is going through changes too, mostly learning how to lead the group as well as emotionally adapting to her role as fugative and mercenary while trying to keep her strong moral standing. She is directly responcible for the changes in the other characters too, and Basilard tells Sicarius at one point in the story that Sicarius should stick with Amaranthe, because she keeps him human. Sicarius agrees.

Though it is hard to choose, I would have to say that this is my favorite book of the series thus far, and I anxiously await the next book! Check the author's website for info about new books and release dates:
www.lindsayburoker.com

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross

Type: Novella
Genre: Steampunk
Price: Free
Grade: A


Finley finds herself in an awkward position, she has to go home to her parents house and tell them she has just been fired from her job, because she let her "dark side" out. In Victorian London she worries about finding another position, and does not want to be a burden on her family, but she does not have to worry long, for the very next morning a prominant Lady comes around and offers her a position, one that she is not qualified for and which pays more than she ever dreamed of. The job seems like a dream job, but what exactly has Finley gotten herself into?
A startlingly dark steampunk story which is sure to entice and thrill any reader. Finley Jayne is just your average girl, who happens to have a very odd secret. This story is the prequel to The Girl in the Steel Corset in which we will hopefully find out more about Finley's odd secret.  

The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper

Type: Novel
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Price: Free
Grade: B+


A delightful book that is not just for children.  Jack Brenin thinks he is a normal boy who moves to a small town, but before he is there long strange things start happening. When he meets the odd neighbors next door things only get stranger. He befriends a talking raven, has mythical creatures attack him, and finds that he must  make an extordinary transforation and embark on a journey that he fears he will never complete.

An adorable and exciting adventure with a swarm of endearing characters, this book will be a delight for people of all ages.

Flash Gold and Hunted by Lindsay Buroker

Flash Gold
Type: Novella (aprox. 52 pages)
Genre: Steampunk/adventure
Price: Free when purchased, $0.99 now
Grade: A


A unique Steampunk story set in the frigid Yukon with a delightful tinkerer, Kali, who makes amazing machines, gadgets, weapons and more with a little help from her stash of Flash Gold, a potent and magical power source that lends her creations an amazing advantage to normal steam powered machines.  Kali has plans to enter her dogless dog sled into a local race, when a  mysterious stranger shows up at her door looking for work. She is wary at first, but he soon shows just how useful he is to have around.

This story blends traditional steampunk elements with new ideas and settings creating an exciting and unusual blend to this impossible to put down story. I highly reccomend it, even to those who are not fans of Steampunk, as there is something for everyone in this story!

The sequel to Flash Gold is Hunted

Hunted
Type: Novella (aprox. 79 pages)
Genre: Steampunk/Adventure
Price: $1.49
Grade: A


This is the sequal to Flash Gold and Kali and Cedar embark on another adventure, where danger waits around ever turn. With Kali's amazing ability to create mechanical devices, modify weapons, and her secret stash of Flash Gold and Cedar's sharpshooting, skill with a katana and amazing tracking skills they seem an unstoppable pair, until they are stuck between two enemies. Will they survive this ordeal, and if they do, what does the future hold for this duo?
These stories (Flash Gold and Hunted) are sure to delight fans of Steampunk, adventure, and action stories, and I have a feeling this is not the last we are going to see of Kali, Cedar, or the Flash Gold!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Jenny Pox (The Paranormals, Book 1) by JL Bryan

Type: Novel
Price: Free
Genre: Paranormal/YA
Grade: A


Jenny grows up the ultimate outcast, not only does she have no friends, and is tormented endlessly by the most popular girl in school, but she can't even touch anyone, ever. As a teenager she faces the challenge of surviving high school and high school bullies while knowing that she will never have a normal life, never have a boyfriend never have a first kiss. She can't even pet her dog. There isn't a single person in the world she can touch...or is there?

This is a lovely coming of age type of story with a dark paranormal twist. The author's style is easy and inviting, and sucks you into the story, and has a few hidden surprises along the way. Jenny will steal your heart and you will be rooting for her throughout, the other characters you will love, and some you will love to hate! I am wary about labeling this YA fiction, because there are some explicit scenes, but it is geared mainly towards people in their late teens/early twenties. This is not to say that people of all ages won't enjoy it, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series