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

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.