Tag: Fiction Book

Monthly Features – September

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Entwined Desires: A Love’s Redemption by Anna Marteen

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

Synopsis: Adriana, a fearless voyager moves through the realms of passion, dances with shadows and addiction. Amidst the moonlit encounters, she meets Gabriel, a mysterious orchestrator of destiny, challenging her detachment.

Romantic symphony harmonizes with a melody of emotions. As their love deepens, Gabriel proposes a commitment that Adriana never thought she would entertain. Adriana must confront her demons and decide if she is willing to take the risk of losing herself to find a love that is both passionate and enduring. Gabriel and Adriana embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening.

But wait,

Secrets from Adriana’s past unravel the carefully woven fabric of their romance, challenging the foundation of their connection. 

Summary: A spicy contemporary romance full of passion, soulmates, and second chances love, this book is for anyone who adores romance at least half as much as I do. 

See the full review here: Entwined Desires: A Love’s Redemption
Purchase here

My Un-Handyman by Melody Carson

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

Synopsis: IT NEVER HURTS TO HELP.
At least that was the motto I’d always gone by up until meeting Emily.

But then again, no good deed goes unpunished. There’s that one, too.
She needed a hand, and I had the time.
What was the harm in pretending to be a handyman if it helped my pretty ranch owner neighbor out?
Besides, how hard could it be?
But now I’m realizing that there are certain things even a billionaire like me can’t pull off. Like knowing how to rewire the lighting on an entire barn. Or even lay water pipe. (And who’s Allen, and why would I want his wrench?)

Worse yet, I’m starting to really like Emily and realize that she isn’t going to take this little ruse very well when I tell her the truth. That I’m not-so-handy after all.
But her legacy—and Emily—are in danger. And even if I could forget about the hottest kiss of my life, there’s no way I can back down from protecting the woman who gave it to me. Or the ranch that was rightfully hers.
Defending what and who I love is one of the things I’m good at, after all

Summary: Overall, I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for a quick and easy romantic comedy full of humorous banter, enemies-to-lovers, and secret billionaires who find that they enjoy handyman work.

See the full review here: My Un-Handyman
Purchase here

 

Ascending the Hourglass by Anthony Dean

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

Synopsis: There are great deserts in space…

So began The Voided Man.

Prisoner Number One has survived in the void. He has even thrived there. But the question remains, can he ever leave there?

If so, by what possible method? And at what risk to himself and others?

Return to the void, and learn if it offers the possibility of escape to those who master the art of Ascending the Hourglass.

Summary: Overall, this was an excellent follow up to the first book and I am excited to see where Dean is taking this series for its conclusion. Classified as a sci-fi, I would also say this book could fall into the YA category and could be for anyone who is a fan of quirky and humorous science fiction.

See the full review here: Ascending the Hourglass
Purchase here

Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love by Janna Klarmann

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

Synopsis: “Gaviota Island” is a psychological thriller exploring the twisted love between a nature girl and a hunter.

The story delivers a message about the cruelty of shooting wild animals. It delves into the tangled complexities of romance, secrecy, and moral ambiguity.

Laura Whitley is 22 years old. She meets Bret Belcher at the University of Texas – an unexpected pairing of a bird enthusiast and a passionate hunter.

Laura admires Bret’s confidence, ambition, and charm. But she grapples with his unwavering passion for guns and hunting.

As university graduation looms, Laura’s distress intensifies because she has no plans for what she’ll do when she finishes. The Belchers will dispatch Bret to Panama to oversee the family’s property business there. This could be Laura’s pivotal moment to break up with him. But against her parents’ advice, she follows him to Panama in hopes of remaking their lives together.

In Panama, Laura befriends a young biologist who discovers a rare population of monkeys on Gaviota, an uninhabited island meant for Bret’s real estate venture. The discovery is a threat to Bret’s plans,

Bret’s violent solution to the monkey problem and his betrayal with another woman push Laura to the edge. Horrified and desperate, Laura takes drastic measures.

Experience Laura’s transformation from an innocent bird watcher to a woman ensnared in a web of deceit and survival.

Follow a series of events that spiral into a dark, dangerous climax.

Discover the gripping tale that blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Summary: Overall, I was not sure what to expect going into this book but I was strangely surprised that I enjoyed it and came out more educated on the topics it covered than I was going into it. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the realities of the injustices that animals face at the hands of mankind. While a work of fiction, this book paints a very real picture of today’s world and what takes place to the animals that are hunted in it. 

See the full review here: Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love
Purchase here

Too Much to Lose by Melody Carson

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

Synopsis: DON’T MISS YOUR SECOND CHANCE.

It’s not often that we get to try again, cuz life very seldom deals a second chance.
Most people don’t even notice when they get one dropped in their lap like a miracle.
But I noticed.

I’ve lost Cassidy once, and come hell or high water, I won’t make the same mistake twice.
Turning a losing hand into a winner might take the whim of Lady Luck herself, but I’m up for the challenge.

However, fate is not always kind, and sometimes overcoming the evil in this world comes at a terrible price.

Cassidy has a monster to face down, but I’m not going anywhere. When it comes to the love between us, there’s simply too much to lose.

Summary: Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring second chances at love in a small town, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Too Much to Lose
Purchase here

The King of Evil by Eileen Gillick

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

Synopsis: He took her powers.
She’ll fight to take back what’s always been hers.
Sixteen-year-old Elise is bullied by her peers every day.
Unbeknownst to them all, she possesses twenty-four mutant abilities.
Eighteen-year-old Rolf takes them all away from her. He isolates them both in his own kingdom to gain knowledge and
strength of her powers. As he constructs a plan to bring her down, Elise must seek an ultimatum. Before it’s the end of her.

Summary: Overall, this was an addicting read. With a refreshing take on some familiar tropes and Gillick’s unique writing style bringing  hints of dark tension and mystery to the plot, I applaud Gillick and am in awe over this debut novel.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in fantasies full of psychological mind games, magic, and mystery that have a darker tone. 

See the full review here: The King of Evil
Purchase here

Review: The King of Evil by Eileen Gillick

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

He took her powers.
She’ll fight to take back what’s always been hers.
Sixteen-year-old Elise is bullied by her peers every day.
Unbeknownst to them all, she possesses twenty-four mutant abilities.
Eighteen-year-old Rolf takes them all away from her. He isolates them both in his own kingdom to gain knowledge and
strength of her powers. As he constructs a plan to bring her down, Elise must seek an ultimatum. Before it’s the end of her.

Favorite Lines:

“In her heart, it was clear to her what unintentionally razing a relationship could do to the heart. Grasping that the dint of love might romp somewhere in her soul, except for all the horror she endured, it seemed impossible to see it in a person. The person who she loved.”

“Distressed, Rolf takes Elise to his chest and screams out.”

“I call this the Icarus room…because when you go in here, you feel your spirits rise. It looks like a nice room, right? Then you fall because of the terror in here.”

My Opinion:

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

This story follows two high school students, sixteen year old outcast, Elise and eighteen year old Rolf. While the target of bullies, Elise has an incredible secret – she possess twenty-four mutant abilities. When Rolf finds out about Elise’s powers, he ends up unintentionally absorbing them. What follows is a battle of mental strength and perseverance as Rolf casts Elise into a hidden realm of his own creation in an attempt to break her spirit and ultimately bend her to his will. 

This is a fantastic debut novel for Gillick full of creative worldbuilding, strong character writing, and an interesting plot. Gillick brings a magical realm to life with vivid details that made me feel like I was right there along with the characters. Full of colorful descriptions of the landscapes and a well-crafted magic system, I found myself turning one page after another fully addicted to the immersion of the world that Gillick had created. I especially enjoyed the small detail of what music was playing the background in many of the scenes – it only added to being able to picture the scene.

I also found the character writing to be well done because Gillick didn’t try to make the characters perfect. Both Elise and Rolf are multidimensional characters who could only be described as morally gray at their core. They have their flaws and I found this to make them more relatable and more human. Their dynamic is what the story ultimately revolves around and I couldn’t get enough. Also, have I ever mentioned that I am also a sucker for multiple POVs? One thing I did want to point out that made me feel a bit weird was referring to Elise as a child several times throughout the book. I am not sure if this was because it was usually from Haas’ perspective but it felt slightly odd and a bit like a disservice to make her appear younger than her sixteen years.

*While classified as YA, some scenes in this book may be better suited for adults.*

Summary:

Overall, this was an addicting read. With a refreshing take on some familiar tropes and Gillick’s unique writing style bringing  hints of dark tension and mystery to the plot, I applaud Gillick and am in awe over this debut novel.  I would recommend this to anyone interested in fantasies full of psychological mind games, magic, and mystery that have a darker tone. Happy reading!

Check out The King of Evil here!

 

Review: Ascending the Hourglass by Anthony Dean

~ likelystory18 ~ 5 Comments

Synopsis:

There are great deserts in space…

So began The Voided Man.

Prisoner Number One has survived in the void. He has even thrived there. But the question remains, can he ever leave there?

If so, by what possible method? And at what risk to himself and others?

Return to the void, and learn if it offers the possibility of escape to those who master the art of Ascending the Hourglass.

Favorite Lines:

“For the past 83 years, I had missed Father as an idea. Mother had missed a man. Her man.”

“Holy Moly! Pete has nukes?”

“I had freedom. I had peace. I had love.”

My Opinion:

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

This is the second book in Dean’s The Voided Man trilogy, you can find my review for the first one, The Voided Man, here. Where the first book really only followed Prisoner Number one, who is exiled to the depths of space with a promise of a lonely eternity ahead of him, this book gives us a new narrator in the form of Cassiopeia – which I found to be refreshing and enjoyable to see a new perspective in this series.

Dean continues to create and expand upon a unique sci-fi world in this series and this book takes it to the next level. I found the character writing to be well done and Dean somehow managed to outdo himself with the intricacies of multiple plot points throughout. I admit that I wasn’t sure it could get more perplexing than the first book in this series but Dean pulls it off in a tasteful and creative way. I think my favorite part of this series so far continues to be Dean’s writing voice which is uniquely distinctive and I think is a major contributor to what sets this series apart from others in the sci-fi genre. 

Summary: 

Overall, this was an excellent follow up to the first book and I am excited to see where Dean is taking this series for its conclusion. Classified as a sci-fi, I would also say this book could fall into the YA category and could be for anyone who is a fan of quirky and humorous science fiction. Happy reading!

Check out Ascending the Hourglass here!

 

Review: Whirl of Birds by Liana Vrăjitoru Andreasen

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Synopsis:

The literary landscape of Whirl of Birds interlaces the spatial and temporal complexities of the mind, in narrative flickers and bursts. Whether we glimpse at the plight of Neanderthals in the depths of lost ages, or at the collapse of communism in the mirrors of a children’s theater, whether we’re uplifted by the triumph of friendship over poverty or watch the last cowboy in New York State struggle to save his business, we recognize how much we are driven by our passions. Strange, but all too human obsessions shape the characters: from rat hoarding to an infatuation with a sculpture, from lies we tell ourselves and others to encounters with the dead, readers are swept in whirls of time, chains of connectivity that can break like glass, the unseen that whispers in our ear. The twists and turns of these short stories create a restless world where self and other meet in glimpses. Each small moment becomes an earthquake that echoes through time, each life is wrestled out of its own darkness, to arrive at the one question that is worth asking.

Favorite Lines:

As always with short story collections, I am highlighting my favorite story from the collection rather than quotes. I actually found the title’s namesake story, Whirl of Birds, to be my favorite from the collection. Without giving anything away, it highlights how life can be thrown into chaos and makes us question what we really value. It resonated with me quite a bit and I found myself still reflecting on it days after reading it.

My Opinion:

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

I’ve been getting more and more requests for short story collection reviews lately but what really drew me to agreeing to review this collection was the editorial reviews on the publishing website as well as the cover art itself which I thought was unique and beautiful and I was hoping it was reflective of the content inside. Spoiler: it was.

This collection of short stories explores what it means to be human in a variety of ways. From humans in ancient societies to contemporary ones, Andreasen leads us on rich and emotional journeys through diverse landscapes to tell stories that echo with themes and lessons involving all things life and human.

What I found most compelling about this collection was Andreasen’s writing style – I don’t think I have ever read something quite like it and I found it to be very artistically enjoyable. She crafted scenes with strong imagery that made me feel like I was right there in the worlds she was creating. It felt like each line was written with purpose and I have a feeling that each time a reader gives this a new read through, they will find something new that they hadn’t noticed before to ponder. 

Andreasen does a fantastic job at challenging readers to reflect on not only their lives but society as a whole and what it truly means to be a human being. Readers will be immersed in worlds full of thought-provoking narratives full of deep emotions and clever storylines. 

Summary:

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection and the deep-dive into the complexities that life has to offer. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys creative short story collections full of emotional narratives that lead to thought provoking reflections. Happy reading! 

Check out Whirl of Birds here!

 

Monthly Features – August

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Dissonance: Volume Zero: Revelation by Aaron Ryan

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

Synopsis:  One day, they silently drifted down through our skies. We thought they were angelic messengers. We were wrong.

They arrived by the hundreds of thousands on June 6th, 2026. The aliens silently drifted down from the sky, hovering fifty feet above us for three long, tense months at a geostationary orbit, taking up positions around the world. No one knew why they came…what they wanted…or why they wouldn’t just go away.

Then, the unthinkable happened. They suddenly came to life…and hunted us down. We ended up calling them gorgons – after the mythical creature Medusa – because if we locked eyes with them, it was all over, and they could telepathically paralyze us with just one look. Once immobilized, they could consume us at their leisure, leaving us to feel every excruciating bite. There was no escape, no hiding from their relentless pursuit. Our only defense was to run.

By the end of 2026, eighty-five percent of mankind had been killed off. The alien invasion turned Planet Earth into a ghost town, with the few survivors eking out an existence in the shadows. Andrew Shipley is one such survivor thrust into an extraordinary nightmare of post-apocalyptic proportions. As chaos erupts, hope dwindles for Andrew and his wife and three small children. Will they make it? Or will the gorgons get them too?

Summary: Overall, this was arguably my favorite so far in the series perhaps because of the light that it sheds on the events that take place in the rest of the series. I found myself laughing at some parts and with tears in my eyes at others. Ryan does an excellent job at evoking emotion and keeping readers engaged throughout this book. If you are a fan of science fiction, dystopian worlds, aliens, action, adventure, thrills, and reading about what it means to be human, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Dissonance: Volume Zero: Revelation
Purchase here

 

Post Traumatic Growth by Jesse Hewitt

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

Synopsis: This book is an account of the journey following encounters of trauma and taking steps towards personal growth. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 12 years, with 5 years serving as a Close Protection Operator undertaking multiple operations in high-conflict environments – both domestically and overseas. Having completed there missions, I witnessed first-hand the damages of war and having experienced the consequences of combat.

This is a tale of a torment and tribulation but is also the story of reparation and recovery. A story of surviving trauma and overcoming the wounds war inflicted upon my mind. Within this book, you will read about these traumas. Personal crises and living in a state of mind that is unwell will be shared. The approach to conquering my personal mental health struggles was multi-faceted, and details of this journey will be disclosed in order to hopefully empower others to take the first steps in their own recovery. Things such as various treatment styles, inter-personal connections and the accidental introduction to Equine Therapy were all supports to becoming a healthier me.

It is my hope that through sharing the intricacies of what I faced and how I committed to treatment to find meaning, purpose, and strength once again, will help others rediscover their own fortitude, resilience, and resolve as they endeavor into the emotional trenches of recovery and emerge healthier, happier, and having taken their own steps towards Post Traumatic Growth.

Summary: Overall, if you are interested in inspiring, real life stories about overcoming mental health challenges especially as it relates to PTSD, depression, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Post Traumatic Growth
Purchase here

 

The Voided Man by Anthony Dean

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

Synopsis: There are great deserts in space. Matter is not spread evenly. On average it balances out in all directions, but some regions are not average. For every dense cluster of galaxies in one place, there is a tremendous void somewhere else. There are no galaxies within the voids, no stars, no planets, and no moons. Scientists have theorized that anyone at the center of such an empty space would see only darkness in every direction. Even the brightest objects, they say, would be too far distant to be visible to the naked eye.

I got a chance to test that theory firsthand. I am the most distant exile in human history.

My name is Prisoner Number One. This is my story.

Summary: Overall, I went into this almost completely blind and was pleasantly surprised with this one. This is a great example of going outside of your comfort zone and managing to find some diamonds in the rough. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of quirky science fiction stories that feature romance and touch on what it means to be human. 

See the full review here: The Voided Man
Purchase here

 

The Gemini Project by Ian Moran

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

Synopsis: Jan Ericson spends his days on the campus of the Corpo Academy participating in sports and playing games. The Academy has never formally taught Jan, or any of its 42 students, to read or write. Jan looks forward to moving to New London, where he will live with his father and start his career. That day will be his 18th birthday after a celebration known as the renaissance.

Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.

Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!

The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death

Summary: Overall, I found this to be an intriguing and thought provoking science fiction thriller set in a dystopian world and would recommend to anyone interested in sci-fi, dystopian worlds, thrillers, suspense, mystery, and philosophical dilemmas.

See the full review here: The Gemini Project
Purchase here

 

Claimed by a Cowboy by Melody Carson

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

Synopsis: I HATE SURPRISES.
Even a surprise that comes with designer heels and killer curves.
What I needed at the end of a long day in the saddle was a cold brew – not a hot tempered reporter who was intent on getting on my last nerve.
Worse, Madison was asking too many questions and getting too close to the truth. Too close to me.

My real identity as heir to the billion dollar Rising Star Ranch was at stake, and I had to keep Madison at arms length.

Until that first unforgettable kiss.

Now, I’m wondering how I can, not only keep Madison at Rising Star Ranch, but also protect her and claim her as my own.

Summary: Overall, if you like cowboy romances full of enemies-to-lovers troupes, mystery, suspense, a bit of danger, and a cowboy saving the day, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: Claimed by a Cowboy
Purchase here

 

 

Review: The Grave Digger by William Baer

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Synopsis:

Polly Kinnell is a renowned chocolate taster for many of the world’s most famous chocolatiers (Ghirardelli’s, Godiva, Hershey, etc.). When her father dies on the Island of Skye, the distraught Polly travels to Scotland for his funeral where she has several unsettling encounters with a peculiar gravedigger, Ian MacIan.

Ian, like his ancestors, “buries the dead” as a religious vocation, and he seems to be rewarded with certain privileges for his total commitment. Although initially upset by her powerful attraction to Ian, Polly eventually has to make crucial decisions after a terrible car crash leaves Ian in a deadly coma.

How much does Polly really love him? Can she save him?

What sacrifices would she have to make?

Favorite Lines:

“Chocolate was once known as ‘the food of the gods. It makes us happy, reduces stress, and gives us energy. It’s one of the most perfect things on earth. Like snowflakes, roses, diamonds, baseball, and love.”

“God gives us a life of trials.”

“Then be with each other as much as you possibly can. Life’s too short for anything else.”

My Opinion:

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

This story follows Polly Kinnell, a chocolate taster from New York that falls for a mysterious Scottish gravedigger. The result is a story full of star-crossed love, lose, and the lengths we would go to to save those that we love. When we first meet Polly, she is living in New York sampling mouth watering chocolates. But when  her father passes away on the Island of Skye, Polly’s life turns upside down and she must travel to Scotland for the funeral. There she meets the handsome gravedigger, Ian Maclan (did I I mention that he is Scottish?). Bad luck continues to touch Polly as Ian is left in a coma after a car crash and Polly struggles with what she is willing to sacrifice for a chance at love with Ian.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this book due to the mysterious synopsis but was pleasantly surprised. At its core, this book is a romance book through and through. Baer sweeps us up in a vivid world full of lively characters and takes us on a journey of loss, grief, redemption, and love. 

I found the description of the landscapes to be so well done that it had me wishing that I was in Scotland right along with Polly. Additionally, I thought that the character writing was crafty and refreshing. Polly wasn’t immediately swept up in Ian and I appreciated that there was some depth to her character in that regard. Baer certainly did his homework thoroughly and translated it beautifully to the page because this book is full of sacred traditions, superstitions, and a lot of chocolate and Gaelic.

From page one, this book had me chuckling and that was a theme that remained throughout. Baer brought a warmth and sense of humor to this book that really shined. However, I will warn you to have a box of tissues next to you because just as Baer was able to evoke joy, he also did a great job at evoking feelings of pain and sadness which may result in other parts likely bringing tears to your eyes.

Summary:

Overall, this was a delicious read that I would recommend to any chocolate fanatics, anyone who wants to read about life-changing love that is worth fighting for, and/or anyone who has a soft spot for Scottish male leads. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Baer in the future! Happy reading! 

Check out The Grave Digger here!

 

The Gemini Project by Ian Moran

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Jan Ericson spends his days on the campus of the Corpo Academy participating in sports and playing games. The Academy has never formally taught Jan, or any of its 42 students, to read or write. Jan looks forward to moving to New London, where he will live with his father and start his career. That day will be his 18th birthday after a celebration known as the renaissance.

Dr. William Osler works at the Academy and considers himself an amateur philosopher and would-be comedian. He befriends Jan and sees the boy’s keen desire to learn. Quietly in the background, the doctor teaches his student to read. Dr. Osler knows that the 17-year-old boy will die, the same way his older brother died, in less than two weeks. However, addicted to a designer drug, the doctor is constantly high as he tries to fight his own demons.

Tre Ericson is Jan’s father. He sees his son four times a year but feels no love for him. While desperately trying to please his father, Jan discovers a tunnel that runs under the school. The tunnel contains a dark secret, which initiates a chain of events that might save Jan’s life!

The Gemini Project is must-read coming-of-age novel that deals with a dystopian future and the world of neurology. The story of Jan Ericson will take you to unpredictable places in a battle of life and death

Favorite Lines:

“Note, the question was never ‘can’ we live forever, it has always been ‘how’ can we live forever.”

“…so the doctor was selling brains and asked $5,000 for the man’s brain and $100 for the woman’s brain. ‘Wait’, objected the woman. Why is a woman’s brain worth so much less? It’s because the man’s brain was in better condition…because it hadn’t been used.”

My Opinion:

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

Set one hundred years or so in the future after a third world war, this dystopian thriller focuses on Jan Ericson, a 17 year old who is preparing for his “renaissance” that will take place when he turns 18. Jan goes to an all boys school that surprisingly doesn’t have any teachers or books and, instead, the boys focus on sports and other physical activities. Jan becomes curious as to his purpose and what happens after this mysterious “renaissance” so he begins to search for answers. As we follow along with Jan, we also read retrospectively from Dr. William Osler who takes us through history throughout the story.

I found this to be a brilliant work of science fiction. Moran does an excellent job at creating a dystopian world that seems entirely too possible and hit a bit too close to home for me but in the best possible way. I thought that the writing was very well done and that the philosophical questions posed throughout the story left me with a lot of food for thought. I could see this being a story that makes it to the big screen similarly to something like Ender’s Game or Uglies.

If I did have to nitpick one thing, it would be that some of the passages seemed to drag. Because of the unique premises that Moran was trying to get across, some longer explanations were necessary but I found that I sometimes got lost in them. This goes back to the idea that I think perhaps this would translate better in a TV show or movie. However, I am here to say that if you find yourself getting a little lost like I did, stick with it because it is well worth it in the end and you won’t be disappointed. On the flip side of this, the scenes were very detailed and well written and I felt like I was in the story right next to the characters.

Summary:

Overall, I found this to be an intriguing and thought provoking science fiction thriller set in a dystopian world and would recommend to anyone interested in sci-fi, dystopian worlds, thrillers, suspense, mystery, and philosophical dilemmas. Happy reading! 

Check out the Gemini Project here!

 

Review: The Gates of Yoffa by J. Brandon Barnes

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

A MISSION UNLIKE ANY OTHER.WHAT THEY FOUND WAS BEYOND BELIEF. John Lewis is a computer scientist recruited for a covert mission in the deepest regions of space.

When he makes a seemingly critical error during a test flight, the operation’s only orbiter crashes on a lush, highly classified planet. This leaves John, his boss Dirk, and exobiologist Ruth stranded, with few supplies and little chance of rescue.

Their best hope for escape is a lost landing craft that detached during their descent. To find it, they must search an unknown world while infiltrating the first extraterrestrial society human beings have ever encountered.

But this isn’t their greatest challenge. It’s something else. Something far more profound. Revealed through the aliens’ storytelling culture is a secret that could destabilize Earth and civilization as we know it.

And that secret is about to be exposed.

Favorite Lines:

“The only foreign language I speak is mathematics.”

My Opinion:

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

This story primarily follows John Lewis, a computer scientist who is offered a chance to become a member of a team going to space on a secret mission. When something goes wrong during a test flight, John, along with his colleagues Dirk and Ruth, finds himself stranded on a strange planet determined to survive.

This story doesn’t waste any time! With a quick introduction to John and his team, readers are pulled into a unique world of Barnes’ creation. I thought that the new planet that the characters find themselves stuck on was very creative while still managing to feel realistic. I also found the alien civilization that they encounter to be really interesting especially with their culture revolving around storytelling.

Towards the end of the book, it becomes apparent that there are a lot of religious parallels/themes being drawn. Looking back, they were hinted at and scattered throughout the story but the ending really brings it all together. I thought that the parallels that Barnes draws here were well done and I was quite impressed in his ability to weave this story together in the way that he did.

While I found this to be a really creative and refreshing sci-fi tale, if I had to be nitpicky about something, it would be that sometimes everything worked out a bit too well. Perhaps I am just a pessimist but despite the fact that they are trapped on a foreign planet, even when they end up in a sticky situation, everything seemed to almost always work out in the end.  I also wasn’t a huge fan of how sometimes I felt like I was reading a story within a story. I think that Barnes’ storytelling abilities and writing techniques are fantastic but sometimes trying to sort out what storyline I was in was a bit much.

Summary:

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this book and am interested to see if Barnes has anything more up his sleeve. If you like sci-fi full of exploration, survival, friendship, and storytelling with a touch of romance and religion, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Gates of Yoffa here!

 

Review: It Was A Riot by Daniel Hall

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Synopsis:

Growing up gay in the violent and poverty-stricken streets of East London, Eddy’s childhood is haunted by the shadow of bullying, rejection, and his domineering football hooligan father. Enrolling in medical school is his only lifeline – but it only catapults him into a fresh set of struggles that will define the rest of his life.

From the brutal front lines of the Falklands War to the impoverished mining communities of Northern England and the drug-fuelled raves of London, Eddy desperately tries to numb his pain and escape his inner demons. But his efforts are futile – and with the spectre of AIDS hanging over his head, he’s helpless to prevent his closest friends from succumbing to the disease.

But Eddy can’t hide forever. After a protest turns violent, he’s left fighting for his freedom against a biased court system that’s hell-bent on jailing him for manslaughter. His story quickly ignites a national frenzy as his case hits the headlines. And when Eddy makes a shocking discovery about his past, he must re-evaluate his entire life and decide what’s really important.

Can Eddy escape the shadow of his father’s judgement? Or will he never be able to accept himself for who he is?

As a gripping and authentic contemporary LGBT fiction novel that explores the stark realities of being gay in 1990’s England, It Was a Riot explores deep themes of identity, sexuality, paternal rejection, and the struggle to find oneself. This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven epics including Tomasz Jedrowski’s Swimming in the Dark and Douglas Stuart’s Shuggie Bain. Scroll up and grab your copy today.

Favorite Lines:

“And when I’m not being honest with myself, it also means I’m not living the life I really want.”

“You’ll always make me proud… No matter what you do. No matter the path you choose in life. No matter what you do or don’t accomplish. I’ll always be proud of you.”

My Opinion:

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

This story follows Eddy, who grows up in England in the 1990s with a complicated childhood. Eddy is gentle and kind but his father demands that he learns how to be a “real man” so Eddy signs up for boxing classes and learns how to fight. Despite this attempt to please his father, Eddy comes to the realization that he is just not a violent man and finds his real passion is in the medical field so he decides to go to medical school. After gradating, Eddy joins the military to get more training as a doctor and it is here that he realizes that he is gay.

As the story evolves, we follow Eddy as he tries to come to terms with his sexuality and begins to explore the world as a gay man. While there is some joy in this exploration, it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Eddy faces a lot of hard truths from both the outside world but also from within himself. As Eddy finally begins to find some real peace, his past comes back to haunt him and he finds himself in court fighting for his freedom.

This is a debut novel for Hall and it exceeded all of my expectations. It pulled me in from the first chapter and had me engaged throughout the story until I realized I had finished it in one sitting. Hall tells a beautiful and heartbreaking story that is simultaneously devastating and important to read. This touches on learning to live outside of your parents’ shadow, the prejudices that the LGBTIQA+ community faced, and learning to be at peace with your own identity. But be warned, you’ll be crying by the end!

Summary:

Overall, if you are interested in coming of age fictional stories with strong character development involving LGBTIQA+ and the gay community during the AID’s epidemic, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out It Was a Riot here!

 

Review: Deep Fried by Mark Doyon

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Americanized millennial Arjun Chatterjee is a food-truck chef working in a parking lot outside the nation’s capital. He dreams up multiethnic recipes and pursues a young woman toiling in a Kafkaesque office nearby. Building a clientele, he faces life with a sly optimism.

One day he idly asks the sky: “Why am I here?”

Deep Fried is a tragicomic love story wrapped in creative freedom. Its characters – chefs, musicians, and entrepreneurs – face a world of oversized dreams and shaky prospects.

They try, fail, and fail better. Will it be enough?

Favorite Lines:

“If you weren’t making moves…you were a pawn in somebody else’s game.”

“Kids today. Fat and not even happy. Worst of both worlds.”

My Opinion:

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

This book primarily follows Arjun Chatterjee who serves food from a food-truck in a parking lot in Washington D.C. Arjun meets a cast of characters throughout this book and we follow along as he does both some teaching and learning from the various people he meets. 

I found this to be a slice-of-life-esque story that was entertaining and relatable while still managing to be comfortable. Doyon tells a story that is entirely realistic and that captures the nature of human relationships and how complex they can be.  As we follow Arjun and Candy, along with the others we meet in this book, we get an inside look into the every day lives of people just trying to reach the goals they have set for themselves and the bonds they nurture with those they care about along the way.

Without any spoilers, I wasn’t prepared for the few pages before the ending! I was so shocked but was happy with how things turned out in the end and almost wish that there was more to the story to get to see how things play out but that is coming purely for my own selfishness. 

If I had to be knit-picky, the change of points of view in the middle of the chapters were a bit disruptive to the flow. Despite this, I still appreciated the different points of view, I thought it added a lot of additional depth to this book. 

Summary:

Overall, I  enjoyed this book. Doyon uses a unique tone to tell a creative and engaging story. It is so full of life in a variety of ways and bonus points that it includes food! You can find the book trailer here! If you like fictional, slice of life books especially ones that include found love and/or food, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Deep Fried here!