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!)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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?
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!
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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