Tag: Fiction Book Review

Review: Aftermath Boy by Robert E. Honig

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

History has its way with Billy Cohen, charmed offspring of Holocaust Survivors Rozsa and Bertie Cohen. His mother’s story of survival from the 1944 Vienna Death March to Dachau’s deadly forced labor, disease and starvation, Bergen-Belsen’s typhus, and inhuman conditions, to her last minute escape with her sister, Lili, and the continuing struggle to survive in Soviet occupied Budapest after the war challenges Billy to grasp the incompressible while growing up with homegrown antisemitism in the 1950s and 60s. Billy’s father, Bertie, came to the U.S. with a mission, to save his father, mother, sister and brother-in-law, but his failure casts a pall over his only son. An only child, Billy dreams of putting his parents shattered world right as his own history sweeps him toward the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement, feminism, and a nation headed not only toward division, but doubling back upon the mistakes, the cultism, and the threats of fascism that led to the Holocaust. After a lifetime of Don Quixote pursuits, including a seductive brush with a left wing lover that leads him to join the Communist Labor Party, Billy finds himself the subject of an FBI inquiry into his investigation of the theft of hundreds of Wisconsin ballots cast during the 2024 Presidential Election, an election that hangs in the balance

Favorite Lines:

“A mature adult settles into himself, steadily gains confidence, and solves problems, even keeled, with or without assistance. One needn’t perform heroic deeds to achieve competence, but Billy Cohen has to save the world. Ironic that it takes a selfish ego to want to save the world and a selfless one to actually save it, even in small ways.”

“To take another life rends the threads of your conscience.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I would say that this isn’t my typical read but it sounded interesting and I think it is important to read books such as this from time to time. This story revolves around Billy who finds his life to be molded by his parents’ experiences, like many children, although unlike many children, Billy’s parents were Holocaust survivors. Billy is accused of election fraud that took place during the 2024 election and the story ends open ended where the reader is left to decide whether Billy is guilty or not.

This story flashes back and forth between past and present events. Billy is in present times being accused for election fraud but we see flashes back to during the Holocaust and what his family had to endure. I thought this book was interesting because while fiction, Honig used real testimonies from his two aunts who lived through the Holocaust. So while fiction, the events described in this book were very real realities for those who experienced the tragedies that took place during the Holocausts.

If I were to be nit-picky, the chapters were quite short and came off at times as choppy – this could have been because they were single spaced rather than double in the version I received for this review though. There were also some spelling/grammar errors scattered throughout that could be cleaned up.  However, neither one of these were distracting enough to take away from the overall well written story.    

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was an interesting book that melded together fiction with reality with Honig weaving true experiences throughout the story. I would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction involving the Holocaust. Happy reading!

Check out Aftermath Boy here!

 

Review: This Kind of Man by Sean Murphy

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

THIS KIND OF MAN offers an unvarnished look at life in 21st Century America, excavating the complicated, tender, wild truth of what it is to be a man across generations and relationships. These stories interrogate the pressures and tensions of contemporary life, and the ways men grapple with them, often without success. Issues such as marriage, fatherhood, aggression, alcoholism, gender expectations, generational backlash, and the inexorable dread of death, abound.

Many of these stories live within a slow implosion of coping, and often failing, as well as those who refuse to succumb, addressing concerns oft-discussed, or not discussed enough, in mainstream print: gun violence, the recent history of coal country Appalachia, sports-related concussions, illegal immigration (and the jobs many of these ostensibly unwelcome folks are obliged to do), homelessness, and the inability of men to honestly connect or communicate.

Far from excusing or exonerating toxic males, this collection locates their violence (toward others, against themselves) in the context of a deadening culture and the false narratives that prevail in an exploitative, zero-sum game capitalist model, where those without are encouraged to quarrel with similarly overworked and underpaid, mostly blue-collar workers. We see that our received notions of manhood and masculinity are inculcated-from the beginning and by design-to ensure willing participation in a system where the overwhelming majority are excluded from the start. We witness the way these dysfunctions are handed down like inheritance, and how every cliché, from fighting to drinking to intolerance of dissent and distrust of others, is a carefully constructed trap, preventing solidarity, empathy, and love (for others, for one’s self).

Favorite Lines:

“How much do we become like the animals we feed on?”

“When you’re not certain where your next meal is coming from and don’t know if you’ll be sleeping indoors ever again, there’s one thing you learn to count on. Coffee.”

“Question, I asked: Who wears a ring on their thumb? Anyone, she said. Anyone who feels like it”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was actually really excited to read this book when I got the review request because I find the topics that it covers to be so interesting but also important. Don’t be fooled, this may be a collection of fictions but the topics they discuss are quite real. Murphy tackles provocative social issues surrounding masculinity, the role of men in society, and much more in a way that is both extremely creative and also brutally honest.

I think that by writing this from a fictional perspective, Murphy was able to more freely tackle the topics being discussed in a way that is reflective of modern day society. I found this to be extremely thought provoking but also informative as a woman to get an inside look at what could be considered the modern day struggle of an average man and, with that, how it in turn can affect others including women.

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was a creative way to tackle complex subjects while keeping readers engaged. It is an extremely clever way to get readers to answer some hard questions themselves through reflection brought on by the stories. I think this is an important read for anyone but would especially recommend it to those that are interested in the complexities of manhood and all that may go with it. Happy reading!

Check out This Kind of Man here!

Review: Death’s Flow by Victor Klayin

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Sometimes, you’re your own worst enemy…
Zaleck, a young albino farmer’s son from a little backwater town, wakes up not to the comfort of his home, but to the confines of a prison cart. His limbs bound, his voice stolen by a gag, panic mounts as he contemplates his fate, unaware of why he even became a target.
Yet, amidst despair, fate — or perhaps something more arcane — intervenes as he’s freed with the help of two other captives: Arneth and Vellis. Arneth, a scholar belonging to an obscure order of master manipulators, who wields knowledge as well as a sword, and who seems to manipulate fate itself. Vellis, a master markswoman whose prowess with the bow is matched only by the shadows of her past. Her ties to the nobility are as complex as the web of secrecy around her. An ex-soldier, she carries the weight of her skills and the burden of her past, her eyes always on the lookout for the next threat, her hand always steady.
Pursued relentlessly by their captors, in service of a dark priest from the powerful “Death Kingdom”, the trio must fight not only to survive, but also learn to trust and work together, uncovering the true reason for their capture.
Soon, they find they might even be able to hide from the slavers, but they can’t ever outrun the consequences of their actions.

Favorite Lines:

“Lying is so classless. It’s much more fun having the truth work for you.”

“Blame and responsibility are different things, Vel. Maybe I’m not to blame, but I can stop this, so I choose to make it my responsibility.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Zaleck who is stolen away from his family’s farm when he is captured by slavers. He teams up with Arneth and Vellis as they try to uncover the mystery of why they were targeted in the first place and attempt to escape the very slavers that captured them.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I decided to read this book but I can tell you that I was not disappointed in my decision. I found myself drawn in from page one with an excellent hook and was hardly able to put the book down until the last page because I needed answers!  Klayin did a great job at building an immersive world that made me feel like I was there right along with the characters; readers will even get a map at the start of the book to reference whenever they need. I also thought that the character development was very well executed. I really enjoyed reading about Zaleck, Arneth, and Vellis’ journeys not only in the outside world but also within themselves. I also just thought that the concept of flow was really interesting and how you can never do the same thing twice with it.

I don’t really have any complaints with this one. I thought the story was unique, the character writing was well done, and the pacing was just right. 

Summary:

This book has it all – adventure, suspense, mystery, magic, action, and fantasy. Klayin did a fantastic job of weaving these themes together into an addictive experience that will leave readers wanting more. I would recommend to anyone but especially those that have interests in one of the themes I mentioned previously. Happy reading!

Check out Death’s Flow here!

 

Review: The Midnight Rose by Catalina Paris

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

The Alchemyst
The Faerie
The Witch
The Warlock

Leo is a sixteen-year-old apprentice at the Alchemical Court until one night changes everything. When the castle is attacked and Leo is told to flee, he creates a new portal using the strange runes left behind in his missing master’s notebook. Arriving in the mysterious Realm of the Fey, a place long forgotten by mortals and Alchemysts alike, Leo meets the enchanting Lady Lisandre, a young faerie in need of his help. Together they quickly learn both their worlds are under threat from the elusive Dark Alchemyst; unless they find the mythical Talismans of Atlantica before he does. . Along the way they encounter Flora, a charming witch on a search for the truth of her family, as well as Leo’s former classmate, a warlock with questionable intentions, Lucien. The four of them are soon drawn together as they face numerous dangers and challenges to find and retrieve the talismans. Set in an alternative magical renaissance, The Midnight Rose is a spell-binding fantasy adventure unlike any other.

Favorite Lines:

“Each is encouraged to follow their heart’s calling from an early age…It is for the greatest benefit of the whole to have each specialize in their passion, as we value what each contributes.”

“Elegant rose bushes lined the gravel pathway, their leaves shimmering in the warm glow of the torchlight…Purple and pink fuchsias grew in abundance everywhere, hanging from baskets underneath the stone balconies.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

First off, I wanted to quickly say that I really like the cover to this book; I think it is simple and beautiful. Now, let’s get into the review – this story follows Leo who must leave his home in the Alchemical Court and begin a quest to find scrolls and talismans that will be used as protection against the Dark Wizard. I thought this was an interesting premise and creative world building however, the story was hard to follow at times. In some areas there were very detailed descriptors but in others, I felt like details that were important were just skated over.

It is obvious that Paris put a lot of thought and effort into this book and while the premise is interesting, I just wish the whole thing slowed down and flowed more smoothly. Despite all of that, I still think it was still a decent read full of magic. Hopefully the rest of the series goes into more detail on the things that were missed in this book.

Summary:

Overall, this was a creative fantasy story and I am interested to see where Paris takes this next. If you like fantasy, alchemy, action, adventure, and magic, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Midnight Rose here!

Review: Burma Road by Brandon Crocker

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

How we view history and the continuity of past, present, and future underlie this classic action and adventure tale.
It is 2015. Clint Bennett, a married father and commercial insurance broker in Arizona is reading the unpublished WWII memoirs of his recently deceased British-born grandfather when he comes across some intriguing details. Clint’s grandfather pinpoints where he and a handful of his fellow Chindit commandos fell upon a mysterious ancient building in Burma while trying to elude pursuing Japanese in 1943. Armed with this information, Clint talks his way onto a small expedition with two college professors, one being a former member of the Thai Special Forces, to hunt for the unknown structure. But they soon find themselves being hunted, and, like Clint’s grandfather, their survival depends on making their own desperate trek through the jungle

Favorite Lines:

“I guess Texas Holdem is another of the world’s universal languages.”

“One day you’re a conqueror, the next day you’re the conquered.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I must admit that historical fictions are not my usual cup of tea but I have a friend that has been trying to get me into them a bit more so when I saw this review request, I figured I would give it a shot and I wasn’t disappointed. This story follows Clint, a man who seems to have a perfectly average and happy life, and who wonders if he has missed out on what could have been an adventurous life after reading a memoir by his grandfather from World War II. After reading the memoir, he is inspired to take a trip of his own which quickly turns into the very adventure he had been wondering if he had missed out on.

I should note that while I am calling this historical fiction, it is actually a blend of past and present times. Clint read the memoir from his grandfather in World War II so there are elements of that history in there combined with the present tale of Clint’s adventure.

I thought this was a very well written book with a plot that had me turning page after page to see what happens next. While fast paced, I didn’t think it left details out and I found it to be just enough to keep me interested without dragging. While a relatively short read at ~163 pages on my Kindle, I thought it had great pacing and was a perfect length to tell the story that Crocker set out to tell. I also thought the characters were well written and Crocker had me feeling like I was living the adventure right along with them. 

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was an interesting full of action, adventure, history, and a bit of suspense. I would recommend to anyone looking for a historical fiction read on a Sunday afternoon. Happy reading!

Check out Burma Road here!

 

Monthly Features – April

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

The Woman Who Belonged to Stone by A.M. Burke

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: In the lands of Iridium magic teeters on the edge of extinction, each crumbling rune marking a tragic loss. With chaos looming, the king takes one last drastic step: outlawing magic.

Rowan used it as a golden opportunity to secure her family’s prosperity. Claiming the power, her father denied her. But, like a flickering flame, her carefully constructed plans crumble when news of her husband’s oncoming return begins to spread. Suddenly, she finds herself facing a treacherous web of diminished loyalties and a deadly threat that sets sights on her life.

Meanwhile, Noctis Telum, shattered by the prohibition, has spent years painstakingly rebuilding his shattered existence. His magic, once his lifeblood, has been cruelly denied, scattering his loved ones across the realm. Yet, with the unexpected death of his oldest friend and the enigmatic return of Delilah, Noctis must accept it’s time to reclaim his purpose and confront the ghosts of his past.

In a realm teetering on the edge of darkness, where fates intertwine amidst a world deprived of enchantment, the stage is set for redemption, treachery, and unyielding determination. Explore the depths of mysticism and discover the key to unlocking the secrets that could save a fractured world.

Summary: Overall, I am excited to see where this series goes next! If you’re a fan of fantasy, adventure, action, mystery, and magic then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Woman Who Belonged to Stone
Purchase here

 

Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning by Aaron Ryan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley lost everyone to the gorgons and has lost faith in the integrity of his own Command. But Cameron’s loss didn’t stop there. In a world rife with apocalyptic danger, it has become painfully apparent that humanity is still, even in the very throes of annihilation, at war with itself.

Finding himself a prisoner and eventual outlaw at the hands of those whom he once trusted most, Cameron must put his fate in the hands of his trusted confidants Lieutenant Allison Trudy, Private Liam “Fox” Mayfield, and Sergeant Joseph Bassett once more, endangering their very lives and freedom, as they and others come to his aid to join in the inevitable revolt against those in power who fail to see the truth: power corrupts, even on the very brink of extinction.

Shipley and his team must race against time to find compatriots who share their views, amassing support against the true foe. All the while, they must evade a merciless alien species that will not stop until the earth’s resources are drained dry, reducing it to a barren wasteland. In their quest for truth, they must remember one simple tenet as it pertains to the gorgons:

“One look, and it’s all over.”

Summary: Overall, if you like science fiction, aliens, the battle of good vs. evil, dystopian worlds, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you! 

See the full review here: Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning
Purchase here

 

Review: Starting Over by L.F. Roth

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Embark on a transformative journey through the hallowed halls of an English boarding school in the enchanting year of 1966. In Starting Over, a captivating tale unfolds as we are introduced to a diverse cast of characters who, against the backdrop of their extraordinary work with children who possess unique abilities, navigate their own intricacies and conflicts.

Amidst the corridors that echo with the dreams and challenges of the young minds they nurture, these remarkable individuals find solace and strength in their shared vulnerability. Their distinctive needs intertwine, creating a tapestry of complex relationships, unexpected alliances, and profound personal growth.

As the story unfurls, the characters are confronted with the inevitable winds of change, sweeping away the familiar to make room for new beginnings. Through trials and triumphs, they discover the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary power of embracing the unknown.

Favorite Lines:

“Please write something that’ll help me stay awake.
Like what?
Oh, anything. Use your imagination.
I can’t. I’m so tired I could hallucinate.
So am I. Addicts should do night duty instead of drugs.“

“And time, as he himself was well aware, will drag when you least want it to.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

It has been quite some time since I have read a book like this. The easiest way I can describe it is it made me thinking of assigned books in school like Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders,  or The Grapes of Wrath. Not because they share any particular themes or similarities, but the vibe of cozy, slice of life type of narrative was there. I know I am going to catch flack for calling any of those books listed above cozy or slice of life but it is the closest I can get to putting my finger on the emotions I felt reading this book.

This story is a pretty calm, tame book featuring a decently sized cast of characters that at first I had a hard time wrapping my head around but as the story goes on, it gets easier. I actually ended up appreciating the level of care Roth put into describing each character and scene throughout the book.

I don’t really  have any complaints for this book as long as you know what you’re getting into. If you’re looking for a page turning, at the edge of your seat type of book then this is not it. This is for lazy weekends in the sun when you’re looking to relax and not think too hard.

Summary:

Overall, if you like calm fictional books that feel like sitcoms with a variety of characters, then this book could be for you!

Check out Starting Over here!

Review: Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning by Aaron Ryan

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan continues the epic journey begun in Volume I in an increasingly tense post-apocalyptic landscape, set amidst a gritty, attainable future Earth in this alien invasion thriller series.

Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley lost everyone to the gorgons and has lost faith in the integrity of his own Command. But Cameron’s loss didn’t stop there. In a world rife with apocalyptic danger, it has become painfully apparent that humanity is still, even in the very throes of annihilation, at war with itself.

Finding himself a prisoner and eventual outlaw at the hands of those whom he once trusted most, Cameron must put his fate in the hands of his trusted confidants Lieutenant Allison Trudy, Private Liam “Fox” Mayfield, and Sergeant Joseph Bassett once more, endangering their very lives and freedom, as they and others come to his aid to join in the inevitable revolt against those in power who fail to see the truth: power corrupts, even on the very brink of extinction.

Shipley and his team must race against time to find compatriots who share their views, amassing support against the true foe. All the while, they must evade a merciless alien species that will not stop until the earth’s resources are drained dry, reducing it to a barren wasteland. In their quest for truth, they must remember one simple tenet as it pertains to the gorgons:

“One look, and it’s all over.”

Favorite Lines:

“Oh, how I would love to call you something else.”

“My last big conversation with Ally was about justice versus revenge. Was there really any difference?”

“Revenge never leads to receiving. Revenge only ever leads to dead-ends.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Ryan’s first book in this series Dissonance: Volume I:  Reality and this book picks up where the last left off which is great because it was a plot twist that I needed answers for! Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley finds himself prisoner and outlaw to those he once considered to be his family. He now has to fight for his freedom and against his previously trusted Command to enlighten those that he can of the real truth: that the aliens might not be the worst thing on Earth. There are those that seek power above all and it just so happens that they are entirely  human.

This book continues to carry on a creative and well written story. Just like the first book in this series, I found myself on the edge of my seat and I loved the additional plot aspect that was introduced at the end of the last book – that sometimes humans can be our own worst enemy. So now we have aliens, people corrupt from power, and those that are just trying to survive and usher in a better world for the future. I loved it! This is book two out of three and I am of course excited to see how Ryan wraps it all up in the last book!

I feel that it is my duty to warn readers, without any spoilers, that no one is safe in this series. I should have known after book one but I didn’t take it to heart when I should have. Think Game of Thrones.

Summary:

Overall, if you like science fiction, aliens, the battle of good vs. evil, dystopian worlds, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you! Happy reading!

Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning

 

Review: Chooser of the Slain by E.S. Oliver

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

From felling dead trees in the Colorado Rockies to slitting the throats of her enemies, Antje had her work cut out for her. Too bad the Norse gods don’t offer paid time off.

After a premonition of a terror attack nearly kills her, the god Odin jolts Antje into a violent and confusing spiritual awakening. Seeking answers, she travels to the world’s most exclusive school for magic concealed beneath Copenhagen. Immediately thrust into a world of dark magic and global conspiracy, Antje discovers she’s no mere mortal—but the incarnation of a valkyrie.

With the help of Cole—a charming CIA agent—and the school’s eccentric professors, Antje unravels a sinister plot: the Dark Queen and her putrid army are planning a siege on humanity. Antje must thwart the carnage, not only for Midgard’s sake—but to prevent all of the nine realms from plunging into eternal darkness.

There’s just one problem: there’s no manual on how to be a valkyrie.

CHOOSER OF THE SLAIN is a dark fantasy thriller packed with magic, Norse mythology, gore, dark humor, and a cast of lovably complex characters. With copious twists and turns, this book will keep you guessing until the end. This is book 1/9 in the WATERS OF WYRD series

Favorite Lines:

“My first boyfriend in forever literally just vanished into thin air on our first date.”

“So, in exchange for a lethal weapon, they require wine? These gods sound like my people!”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows the basic structure that many fantasy books do. An individual learns they are gifted and joins a school to learn more about their history and their abilities while other major plot points are also at play. While Chooser of the Slain seems to follow this general formula, Oliver makes it all her own.

I thought this was a unique twist on a classic fantasy book formula/theme and the Norse mythology just added bonus points to really make this book stand out. Oliver did a fantastic job at world building, character writing, and I especially liked the magic system in this one. I personally also thought it was great that the main character was close to my age – I found I was able to relate to her more. Sometimes I read books and these main characters are accomplishing fantastic feats at 16 or 18 and I find it hard to picture.

I also want to put a plug in for the chapter titles, I thought they were witty and I enjoyed them throughout. I also thought the illustrations that accompanied them were a nice touch.

If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that it felt a bit too fast paced. It felt like a lot was crammed into a short period of time especially the romance; it developed too quickly. While I am a sucker for a good slow burn, I’m not saying that this had to be a slow burn but I think it unraveled too quickly in book one and I think that it could have been more spread out especially with so much more left in the series.

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was an addicting read. If you like Norse mythology, action, adventure, romance, and dark fantasy then this book could be for you!

Check out the book trailer here
Check out Chooser of the Slain here

 

Monthly Features – March

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Beguiled Persuasion by K. Reagan Zell

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Living her normal everyday life, Cait had everything a woman would ever want; a career, a wealthy boyfriend, and a doting father who was her world. Her life began to quickly unravel once she found out that her boyfriend was married and then her father died. With the dramatic events pushing her empathic sensitivities to the brink, she took one sleeping pill to help her find some relief from the emotional chaos. But it would be a prophetic pill that would forever change her already unraveling future plans. Setting off a chain of uncontrollable events of supernatural encounters with just one pill, Cait was involuntarily pulled between unimaginable parallel timeline journeys and all that she once knew…a destiny that she never imagined possible. But sometimes, one’s fate is already sealed.

Summary: Overall, if you like time travelling romances, the supernatural, and/or just romance period then this book could be for you! 

See the full review here: Beguiled Persuasion
Purchase here

 

Dissonance: Volume I: Reality by Aaron Ryan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: There are some rules you never forget. Above all else, whatever you do, you never look directly at a gorgon.
Now, plug your ears… because the war for humanity has begun.

Sergeant Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they first arrived in 2026. For 16 long years, he learned to hide. To never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all about the gorgons: You just… don’t… look. The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Shipley and his team are sent out on a recon mission with developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate… and his own. Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a terrifying alien species that has annihilated eighty-five percent of mankind. Will his mission lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability? Or will it plunge humanity, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Summary: If you like science fiction that features dystopian worlds, aliens, action, adventure, thrills, and some romance then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: Dissonance: Volume I: Reality
Purchase here

Six Moons, Seven Gods by Robert A. Walker

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.

Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

Summary: If you like fantasy, action, adventure, and political intrigue then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Six Moons, Seven Gods
Purchase here

A Chef on Ice by Sebastien JM Kuhn

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Join a talented chef as he embarks on a life-changing journey to Antarctica. From grueling recruitment to months-long expeditions, experience the challenges and triumphs of living and working in one of the most remote places on Earth. With breathtaking landscapes, unexpected connections, and a newfound sense of purpose, this is a story you won’t want to miss. Get ready to be captivated by the adventure, resilience, and inspiration of this unforgettable tale.

Summary: Overall, if you like travel, food, reading about cold regions, and especially if you want to know what daily life at a base camp in Antarctica is like, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: A Chef on Ice
Purchase here

Freaks by Tam A. Athot

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Syranda and magic are an interconnected tree with the same root, with many branches, and beautiful fruits in many shapes and colours.”

 Syranda is a hidden country whose peaceful, democratic system drifting almost unnoticed into dictatorship. An integral part of the people of Syranda are individuals with special skills who have been a great asset to the country’s prosperous development throughout history. But in the last decade something has changed, and democracy has slowly eroded, slipping into dictatorship, led by Angelus, the Minister of Defence. The main pillar of the dictatorship’s construction was the production of an enemy image. Anyone with ability began to be excluded and eventually persecuted.

 Angelus’ daughter Vitu was also born with a special gift, which her father tried to hide from the world. When Vitu became a teenager, she had to face the fact that her father was more concerned with serving the regime and his own ambition than her life, and she too was forced to flee. In her search for a way out, she learned a lot about her abilities, her fellow human beings and herself.

 “Many people think that dictatorship will come suddenly, spectacularly, with a great blare of trumpets and horns, and that everyone will notice it, that one sacred moment when the trumpets blare and the drums beat, and a loudspeaker shouts, “Attention, attention, the dictatorship has arrived, the dictatorship is here, everyone should lock themselves in their houses, because the oppression has arrived, from now on it’s what I, the dictator with the big hat and the red nose, dictate.”

 “The prey within us dies tonight and at dawn the predator will awake along with the sun!”

Summary: I thought this was an interesting idea and Athot brought a vision to life in a creative way. If you like supernatural/fantasy themed books with touches of politics and psychology, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Freaks
Purchase here

The Festival of Hungry Ghosts by Stephen Frame

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: He was a big bad wolf, and he left Fairyland in 1929 to go work as a private detective in Los Angeles. He’s got a new case he doesn’t want; finding the kidnapped son of a local crime lord. He’s got a new partner he doesn’t trust; a chaotic female gangster who likes dames, booze, and bullets. Those are just the start of his problems. There are monsters in his way. And not all of them are human.

Summary: Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Don’t be thrown off or misled by the cover, if you like a twist on classic fairy tales, action, adventure, and/or cop dramas (or in this case private detective dramas), then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Festival of Hungry Ghosts
Purchase here