The Callista Alignment by Steve Gay
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: ‘No one remembers the moment they were born, but I do… the second time at least’.
Abducted and thrust into a bewildering alien world, Kali has no idea that she’s the only Earth-born ‘natural’ in a population of enslaved humans scattered across the stars. She’ll push the limits of her captivity, turn her owner’s life upside down, and challenge everything he believes about her species. Then, when the public spotlight suddenly turns to her, she’ll drag him into a revolution.
The Callista Alignment is the first instalment in a new science fiction series, an epic saga of prejudice, redemption, and human courage in all its forms. Join a new kind of heroine for an extraordinary adventure in an alien civilisation.
If you enjoyed reading ‘Divergent’ or ‘Silo’ you’ll be captured by The Callista Alignment and swept into a world you’ll never forget.
Meet the cast:
The Professor:
Yan Feyrsten is worried that he’s made a big mistake. The human he’s just bought is upending his quiet academic life. Kali won’t settle, won’t eat, won’t comply. She can’t even grasp that here on Antaris, she’s nothing more than an animal.
The Naturalist:
Henik Varkesen understands why. He’s imagined meeting an Earth-born ‘natural’ his entire professional life. But he realises the trouble Kali could bring, that she’s either a wonderous scientific discovery or the most dangerous human on the planet.
The Bounty Hunter:
Torsta Jai knows an opportunity when she sees one. Reduced to hunting feral humans in the Derelict Zone, the disgraced police chief is looking for a way to restore her position. She realises Yan’s human could give her the political leverage she needs, and will stop at nothing to possess her.
The Human:
Kali is just trying to get by in a baffling alien world. She’ll start with Yan, use her gift with language to confound his expectations, force him to reassess everything he believes. But when she is stolen away from him and thrust into the public spotlight, she’ll discover the truth, that a restive human population has been waiting for a sign, waiting for their moment. They’ve been waiting for her.
Summary: Overall, if you are a fan of science fiction that touches on philosophical and political topics surrounding prejudice, humanity, and what it means to be human, then this book could be for you!
See the full review here: The Callista Alignment
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Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.
I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.
Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.
Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.
But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.
When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.
Summary: Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you.
See the full review here: Rescue Me Twice
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Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon by Anthony Dean
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Twelve years have passed since the events detailed in Ascending the Hourglass.
Persius remains restless and hopes to learn much more about the phenomenon he calls jumping. Jack and Banner are now young men, and they assist him in his research.
Al’s family continues to grow, and Pete develops a new love interest.
The moon that orbits the planet Royal has been an idyllic home for many years, but will it remain that way? And if not, is there any possible method by which Prisoner Number One’s family might return to Earth?
Discover what waits for them all Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon.
Summary: Overall, this was another excellent addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I continue to be impressed with where Dean takes this series in each book; I am excited to see where he takes it next! This book (and series) is for anyone interested in quirky and humorous science fiction.
See the full review here: Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon
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Hustling the Mob by Don Spillane
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: What is the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?
Sara and Joshua are about to find out.
Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts.
An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In return for help from a middle Eastern spy chief, they’re tasked with disrupting an arms deal being negotiated by a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands. This same banker launders money for his main client, a New Jersey mafia boss.
A huge pot of money proves too big a temptation and, in this international, absorbing crime thriller, Sarah and Joshua must outsmart a growing list of bad guys.
Summary: Overall, this was quite a suspenseful story full of complex characters, a thrilling plot, and dangerous situations. I would recommend this to anyone interested in fictional espionage stories that involve organized crime, suspenseful thrillers, and action.
See the full review here: Hustling the Mob
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Light Locked by A.K. Chandler
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Humanity is about to unravel, and Clea Hart holds the final thread.
A light-wielding warrior known as a Veilin, she’s stolen the cursed Deadlock Medallion—an artifact of legend that could spell doom for mankind’s last three cities. Escaping from enemies she once called friends, Clea knows she has to destroy it, and that means returning home.
The forest of Shambelin is the only thing standing in her way, but it’s rife with traps, tricks, and beasts. She can’t survive it alone. In desperation, she accepts the help of a mysterious man named Ryson.
The forest is his domain, and Clea and Ryson are as different as the sun and moon that shape its illusions. Together, they face the wilderness, the medallion’s influence, and the woes of their declining world. These challenges unite them, but when Ryson’s secrets come to light, Clea realizes that the horrors of the forest are nothing but a playground to his past.
Their connection is undeniable, her mission is critical, but trusting him could be the last mistake she ever makes.
Summary: Full of emotional depth, thought provoking philosophy, fast-paced action, and unexpected plot twists, this book has it all for anyone who is interested in fantasy. I found this to be a refreshing take on some familiar fantasy themes and I am beyond excited to see what Chandler comes up with next.
See the full review here: Light Locked
Purchase here
Likely Story 