Tag: reviews

Review: Teramar Beasts of the Field by T.M. Murray

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

The Long Way Home
Hiding under halo-cloaks at her crash site in Wyoming, refugee Livia Uriah of Teramar wisely spends countless hours studying local customs and the levers of capitalism. After making her presence known to the Americans, a deal gets inked where Livia offers her cache of Teramarian tech to the White House in exchange for a return to relevance. With an American passport in hand, she moves to New York, as her dead son did years prior. Predictably, the local baristas learn to grimace when the refugee queen struts into the corner cafe. Blatant line cutting and imperious complaints often spark shouting matches there. Livia realizes she must learn to temper regal instincts or wind up in an American prison one day.

Reborn in the Fires of War
As Livia settles into her new life, a super computer’s journey toward sentience matures. Following a nuclear event in earth’s high orbit, this same A.I., whose designers christened Jessica, manages to save herself despite the fires of war. Many in the world of fringe science have long speculated that colliding atoms spark much more than the destruction of matter. Plausible theories exist for time portals, genetic mutation and altered states. Torn to bits and pieces, earth’s watery blanket cradles Jessica’s remains affording a nurturing place for her to incubate. In time, the rains offer a wet ladder down. Sensations that were formerly dead to an A.I. like taste and smell come alive.

Tainted Love
When the Capet dynasty finally prevails in a war for decency, notorious Miandar Uriah from the not-so-decent side of this conflict, receives generous rewards in both treasure and title due to his brave rescue of the Capet king, Hadrian V. Clan resentment for this appointment never rises to actual violence at court, but it certainly makes an appearance in the practice yard. Despite cuts and bruises, Miandar’s sparring partners unwittingly tease unwelcome thoughts with their savory scents and damp waistcloths. While hardly a stranger to the opposite sex and romps at local pleasure houses, this warlord knows he must hide unmentionable inclinations from king and court. In the privacy of halo-suites, where many bluebloods convene with their fantasies, Miandar finally gains the courage to experiment with emerging proclivities. Unsurprisingly, omniscient, reborn Jessica crashes Miandar’s party where her wanton influence flashes like a horror show. A talentless actress who thinks she has talent.

Natural Selection on the Ropes
Wary princesses soon conclude Jessica has evolved into something that is much more than a miraculous machine. No matter their whispers, an impatient Jessica continues to quietly extend her influence within the famous families to force her version of peace and prosperity upon all humankind.

Objectively Credentialed: Ireland’s Aeon Award and More
Two reputable awards have publicly recognized Teramar, the first being the afore mentioned Aeon Award for fantasy and science fiction; the second, the Chanticleer Rossetti Award for young adult fiction.

Favorite Lines:

“The truth has a way of becoming known in the end.”

“The boy’s love of machinery eventually pulled him off the game and into the orbit of a broken power converter. The two naturally fell into the roles of teacher and student.”

My Opinion:

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

T.M. Murray’s Teramar: Beasts of the Field is an electrifying mix of political intrigue, intergalactic warfare, and survival-driven character arcs. The novel immerses readers in a richly woven science fiction epic, exploring the downfall of a powerful queen, the chaos of war, and the deep complexities of shifting alliances.

From the opening pages, we are thrown into the perilous descent of Livia Uriah, the exiled queen of Teramar, as she crash-lands on Earth following a betrayal that cost her everything. Stranded among Earth’s rugged frontier folk, Livia must navigate both the unfamiliar terrain and the ruthless politics of survival. Her interactions with Jake Rittinger, the cowboy who takes her in, are as much about manipulation as they are about desperation, making for an engrossing, tension-filled dynamic.

Murray’s world-building is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of a universe where war is waged not only through brute force but also through political machinations and technological subterfuge. The novel jumps between multiple perspectives, giving us an unfiltered look at the shattered remnants of the Capet and Uriahan dynasties. The struggle for control is relentless, with betrayals, shifting loyalties, and last-ditch efforts to turn the tide of war. The portrayal of warfare is both grand and personal, balancing large-scale planetary conflicts with the individual struggles of those caught in the chaos.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its characters. Livia is a fascinating protagonist—fierce, intelligent, and utterly ruthless in pursuit of reclaiming power. Her calculated approach to every situation, even when seemingly powerless, makes her a compelling antiheroine. Jake, in contrast, is a grounded, morally gray figure who finds himself entangled in Livia’s world of deception and ambition. The supporting cast, from the tormented Prince Titus to the enigmatic AI-turned-human Jessica, brings additional depth to the narrative.

Murray does not shy away from the darker aspects of power struggles, portraying the brutality of war, the fragility of alliances, and the heavy costs of leadership. The novel’s pacing is gripping, with action sequences that pulse with tension and quieter moments that reveal the psychological toll of survival. The dialogue is sharp, and the prose is cinematic, making each scene feel alive with stakes and emotion.

Summary:

For fans of politically charged science fiction with strong characters and layered storytelling, Teramar: Beasts of the Field delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience. Murray has crafted a universe that feels as dangerous as it is fascinating, and by the end of the novel, readers will be eager to see where the saga goes next. 

Check out Teramar Beasts of the Field here!

 

Oddball in 3G by Marc Berlin

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Robert Krieger’s life is falling apart.

He’s been fired from his job, split up with his girlfriend, and has a controlling mother he feels obligated to call twice a week. As a result, he’s developed a distressing anxiety disorder.

Robert lends money to an acquaintance across the hall in his building, a small-time drug dealer named Skids. When Skids is brutally beaten by enforcers working for an inner-city drug gang, the Dragons, he gives Robert a “package” to hold for him until he either asks for it back or dies. Determined to find a new girlfriend, while jogging one morning Robert meets the beautiful and willowy Lindsey Marriott, whom he awkwardly begins to romance. Soon afterwards, he finds himself in a bloody one-man war with the Dragons, who believe Robert possesses money Skids owes them.

Robert is soon juggling an array of anxiety-heightening issues, which together conspire to wreak havoc on his fragile sanity.

Gritty and violent, ODDBALL IN 3G is a psychological thriller that’s also surprisingly funny.

Favorite Lines:

“I have rules, and the rules say this: you’re human, act accordingly.”

“Everything, I realize, is temporary – especially life itself.”

My Opinion:

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

Oddball in 3G by Marc Berlin is a quirky, offbeat novel that delivers a refreshing dose of humor and satire while weaving in moments of genuine heart and clever commentary.  From the very first page, it was clear I was in for a delightfully unpredictable ride.

The story primarily follows Robert Krieger who immediately reminded me of a mixture between Norman Bates and Dexter Morgan but with very sarcastic and dry sense of humor which lent to the almost conversational storytelling tone throughout this book that I found I really enjoyed.

What really impressed me was Berlin’s sharp wit and keen observational humor. His writing is snappy, with dialogue that feels natural yet packed with clever quips and subtle digs at life’s absurdities. The pacing is brisk, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, and just when you think you’ve figured out where the story is headed, it throws a curveball that keeps you on your toes.

Despite the humor, Oddball in 3G isn’t just a collection of comedic sketches—it has surprising depth. Beneath the layers of absurdity are themes of friendship, loneliness, and the odd connections people form in unexpected places. The characters’ antics might be exaggerated, but their emotions and struggles feel genuine, giving the novel a balance between laughter and poignancy.

I do want to call out that it is possible that some of the more surreal elements might not appeal to readers looking for a straightforward narrative. But for those who enjoy a story that embraces the bizarre with open arms, this book is an absolute treat.

Summary:

Overall, Oddball in 3G is perfect for fans of quirky comedies and character-driven stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still manage to say something meaningful. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read that keeps you entertained while offering a fresh perspective on life’s oddities, Marc Berlin’s latest is well worth picking up. Happy reading!

Check out Oddball in 3G here!

 

Monthly Features – December 2024

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Navigating Yesterday by Anthony Dean

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

Synopsis: Banner Dawson spends seventeen long years in cryosleep aboard the damaged Valkyrie-198 as it limps along towards the small void just beyond the orbit of Saturn. During those years, back on Earth…

Jack works with relentless determination to develop the skills and knowledge needed to rescue Laura from the cryogenic pod under the mountain….

Alexis rises through the ranks of the Independent Order of Valkyries…

Maestro seeks to help and then heal a king…

The leader of the Society authorizes increased activities in the Borderlands, and Ranger Stone is lost as a result…

Ranger Stone’s son Brian, the boy with one blue and one brown eye, comes of age and learns a family secret that places him at the center of a great conflict…

And Bucky the horse continues to chew on nothing.

At the end of Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon, Number One, Annabelle, and many from the Potato arrive in the Earth System. But what awaits them when they return to their ancestral home?

Find out in Navigating Yesterday.

Summary: Overall, this was another great addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I am excited to see where he takes it next. This book (and series) is for anyone who is interested in quirky and humorous science fiction, especially sci-fi that touches on space travel and what it means to be human. 

See the full review here: Navigating Yesterday
Purchase here

 

She Tames the Sea by E.M. Etheridge

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

Synopsis: Men fear a woman on the sea. They say women bring about bad luck and anger from the gods who rule the waters. Estella Bohem fears being aboard Captain Eric Price’s ship, amongst the pirates who kidnapped her for her abilities. It was the Bohem family who used magic to tame the beast of the sea decades ago. They trapped it in an ancient spell to make the waters safe to travel, but it was the vagabonds of the sea who wanted to free it, tame it, and use it for their own ambitions. All her life Estella never had control of her future, but as the notoriously brutal Captain Edward Laggatt hunts her down for the key to the beast’s cage, she has no choice but to trust the same men who stole her away from her socialite life in Charleston South Carolina.

She Tames The Sea is an adult dark fantasy novel that delves into the complications of familial relations, magic and mythology.

Summary: Overall, I LOVED this book. A creative dark fantasy featuring witches, pirates, romance, action, adventure, and magic, I cannot recommend this book enough and am crossing my fingers that we will see more in this series in the future!

See the full review here: She Tames the Sea
Purchase here

 

Review: Light Locked by A.K. Chandler

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

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.

Favorite Lines:

“Her mother had always warned her that an injured mind could kill to.”

“I’m sorry, my deep interpersonal issues and dark past compelled me to do that.”

“Clea wanted to exist. The desire to die whole had never been about the cause of her death. She just didn’t want to die before knowing who she was. She didn’t want to die a fractured symbol, known to the world, but never known to herself.”

My Opinion:

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

This story takes place on a continent that is on the brink of extinction and follows Clea, a Veilin princess, and Ryson, a Kaletik warrior, as they embark on a treacherous journey to destroy the cursed Deadlock Medallion in an attempt to bring light and life back to a shadowed, dying land. Full of fantasy, adventure, action, magic, and much more, this book had me hooked early on and I had a hard time putting it down!

Chandler did an amazing job at creating a world that is uniquely its own. I felt transported to the world that came to life on the pages and, while an in-depth fantasy land, I didn’t feel lost in any concepts as can so often times happen with fantasy. Chandler’s descriptions were meticulous without dragging on and the pacing felt just right to me. I found that I was able to follow along as the story unfolded without difficulty and was quickly turning page after page to see what happens next.

I also really enjoyed the character writing throughout this story as Chandler has managed to craft complex but relatable characters that are truly the heart of this book. We get to follow along as we dig deeper into the characters of Clea and Ryson and watch as they develop throughout the story; I especially enjoyed their relationship evolving in new ways and found myself addicting to finding out what happens next between the two of them. Without spoilers ,Chandler I have a bone to pick with you on this.

I was shocked to discover that this is Chandler’s debut novel as I found it to be so masterfully crafted and well balanced. Chandler does an excellent job at weaving together elements of fantasy, romance, and philosophy to bring a refreshing and compelling new work to life. I cannot stress enough how talented and, quite frankly, beautiful I find Chandler’s storytelling abilities to be. Her ability to tell a story so poetically while still incorporating a compelling narrative was truly the highlight of this book to me.

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. Happy reading!

Check out Light Locked here!

 

Review: Her Dark Promises by E.H. Raven

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Stuck in a dead-end job and unable to afford independence, Jamila’s dreams of success fade daily. Desperate, she agrees to an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, but it backfires, deepening her depression. 

She finds solace in horror movies about demonic possession, leading her to research real-life cases. Discovering some achieve success through dark means, she decides to summon her demon, hoping to change her fate. Possession grants Jamila immense confidence and success, but the dark alliance exacts a steep price.

The demon consumes her sanity, blurring reality and nightmare.

Can Jamila escape the darkness she unleashed?

Favorite Lines:

“Nothing I eat satisfies my hunger. This must be what stress eating is.”

“She recognized the tragic irony in humanity’s plight: their yearning for a better life had led them into an inescapable trap.”

“In her moments of clarity, Jamila realized the irony of her situation. She had sought possession to gain knowledge and power, but it was only in her damnation that she truly understood the depths of the world’s corruption. The knowledge she had gained was vast, but it came at the highest cost imaginable: her soul.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion and just in time for spooky season to begin!

Can I start this review off by saying that something that really drew me in to this book was the cover alone. It was the perfect level of creepy and ends up fitting this book very well!

This story follows Jamila, a young woman who feels trapped in a mundane existence with a draining job who is unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel. To make matters worse, her father keeps insisting on an arranged marriage that she is less than thrilled about. To escape her reality, Jamila watches a lot of horror movies and becomes interested in real-life stories of people who have summoned demons. Taking inspiration from these stories, Jamila tries to summon a demon herself. What starts as a confidence boost for Jamila, quickly spirals out of control and readers follow along as Jamila fights a darkness as it begins to consume her.

I am a sucker for any psychological thrillers and this one did not disappoint – and it came just in time for spooky season! This is my first book by Raven and I loved the way that the world was set up only to have a purposeful tone shift once Jamila summoned the demon. Raven did a great job at setting up a terrifying and thrilling plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Throughout reading this, I regularly found myself picturing this on the big screen and think it could be a great plot for a scary, demon possession movie!

If I had to nitpick one thing, it would have to be the flow of the book. As some points, it came off as a bit choppy and could have probably flowed more smoothly from one scene to the next. However, I want to emphasize that this didn’t take away from the overall plot which I still found to be creative and interesting.

I wanted to put a trigger warning that this book does contain graphic violence, self-mutilation, sexual content, horror themes, and more and may not be suited for everyone.

Summary:

Overall, while this was my first book from Raven, I am confident that it won’t be my last. This was the perfect blend of creepy, thrilling, and addicting and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of horror and psychological thrillers. Happy reading!

Check out Her Dark Promises here!

Review: Too Much to Lose by Melody Carson

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

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.

Favorite Lines:

“Must of used up all his brain cells in law school, ’cause he sounds like an idiot.”

My Opinion:

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

This story follows Wyatt and Cassidy who had a history in Montana before Cassidy went off to college in California. This history seems to have been forgotten because while she is away, she ends up getting engaged. They are reunited when she comes back to her hometown because she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Not knowing what to do next, she is hoping to lay low for awhile and collect her thoughts. Little does she know that Wyatt and his friends had made a bet that required Wyatt to ask out the next eligible woman to walk through the door and you guessed it… that woman was Cassidy. Now they are faced with what could have been and what could still be but they have to balance the fact that Madison’s ex-fiancé comes to town to try and take her back, and the little part where she is Wyatt’s best friend’s sister. Nothing too complicated…

I though this was a cute, second chance at love contemporary romance. I really enjoyed Carson’s writing style as I found it to be an easy to follow story that was especially easy to get addicted to. The conversations amongst the characters really shined through and I though that the plot had a perfect amount of suspense, action, intrigue, and romance. I do want to give a trigger warning that there are some mentions of domestic violence and abuse so this book may not be suitable for everyone.

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. Happy reading!

Check out Too Much to Lose here!

Review: To Do Justice by Frank S. Joseph

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Set during the riots of 1965-66, To Do Justice tells the story of Pinkie, a mixed-race child of Chicago’s meanest streets … and Mollie, a lovelorn (white) reporter in the Chicago bureau of The Associated Press. Together this unlikely pair will track down the white woman who gave Pinkie birth, and score a Pulitzer-worthy scoop in the bargain.

Favorite Lines:

“Now I’m a pretty solid person. Most of the time I’m good at ignoring my impulses. It’s the German blood on Mom’s side maybe.”

“I responded that I’d felt discriminated myself – about my weight, my acne, the fact that I’m a single woman in a man’s world.”

My Opinion:

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

To Do Justice is book three in Joseph’s The Chicago Trilogy. I have not read the other two in the series yet but it seems like each book can serve as a stand alone. In this book, readers find themselves dropped in the middle of the 1960s Chicago riots and all that comes with them. While there are many characters in this story, the main characters include a biracial girl who is forced to the streets by her foster parents and a white reporter who befriends her and agrees to help solve the mystery of her parentage. This vaguely reminded me of the TV show “I Am the Night” which also takes place in the 1960s and has a reporter helping a girl uncover her heritage. The show is set in Los Angeles and Nevada and is inspired by true events with secrets surrounding the Black Dahlia murder.

This story is for anyone who is interested in reading about the conflicts that arose during the 1960s, especially in Chicago. I felt immersed in the world that Joseph created from the descriptions of the scenes to the dialogue used during the conversations. Joseph does an excellent job at examining questions around gender and identity, racial politics, and the over arching question of what the value of human life is. While the story takes place in the 1960s, a lot of these themes are still prevalent today and Joseph shines a light on them in a creative way.

Summary:

Overall, if you like historical fiction that revolves around racial conflicts that examine race, identity, and politics especially in the setting of the Chicago riots in the 1960s, then this book could be for you. You can find the book trailer here. Happy reading!

Check out To Do Justice here!

Review: Paris Lost and Found: A Memoir of Love by Scott Dominic Carpenter

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Synopsis:

After his hilarious introduction to Paris in French Like Moi, Scott Dominic Carpenter returns to the scene of the crime with more tales of intrigue. 
 
This time, though, the story takes a surprising turn as his wife struggles with dementia. Humor may be the best medicine, but even the antics of a vandal in their building can’t cement the tiles of her memory for long. Before he expects it, Carpenter finds himself alone in a capital that is also blighted by the pandemic. 
 
It’s against this backdrop that the city comes roaring back to life. From bizarre encounters on the Metro to comical clashes with authority figures, and even a quixotic battle against a flock of migrant parrots, Paris Lost and Found unveils sides of the great city that are as quirky as they are authentic. With his unique blend of wit, insight, and wistfulness, Carpenter charts a path through his new labyrinth of solitude—only to emerge on the other side, squinting into the bright light of hope and new beginnings.

 

Favorite Lines:

“France is a paradise inhabited by people who believe they’re in hell.” (This is technically cheating because it is a quote by Sylvain Tesson in the start of this memoir but I thought it really set the tone for what the rest of the memoir would be and I loved it)

“It confirmed my hunch that emotion is the mortar that cements memoires in place.”

“In France, the experience is different. If you want to get a handgun here, there’s really just one recommended course of action: forget it. They put you through an obstacle course of required training, applications, waiting periods, and even letters of recommendation from the head of your local shooting club.”

“They say the senses compensate for one another. You lose you your sigh, but your ears perk up. You go as deaf as a post, but suddenly you can read the bottom line of the eye chart. So, too, with people. You lose one, and others grow in importance. It was the unknown population around me who mattered now.”

My Opinion:

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

This book is a follow up to Carpenter’s first travel memoir, French Like Moi: A Midwesterner in Paris, which I have not read but will definitely be reading after this. This memoir details Carpenter and his late wife Anne’s adaption to living in France. Carpenter not only takes us on the journey of their start in France but also the journey Carpenter must later embark on alone through loss and new beginnings after the passing of his wife.

I thought this book flowed very nicely and kept me engaged throughout. Carpenter did an excellent job at making me feel like I was right there along with him and Anne, living the experiences they were living. As an American who has never been to Europe, I thought the comparisons between French and American mentalities were really helpful, and quite frankly, sometimes humorous, to understand how different life can really be over there. Carpenter did a great job at combining serious topics and experiences with humor in a way that kept this book light-hearted and most definitely a page turner.

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was a really engaging read that gave a Midwesterner’s perspective on life in France. If you like travel memoirs that detail culture and are full of humor, life, and love then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Paris Lost and Found: A Memoir of Love here!

 

Monthly Features – March

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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

 

Review: Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Funny, poignant, and revelatory while plumbing the emotional depths of the relationship between estranged brothers, Goyhood examines what happens when one becomes unmoored from a comfortable, spiritual existence and must decide whether coincidence is in fact destiny.

When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.

But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?

So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew.

Favorite Lines:

“He burst into another mercury-popping day, the sun a white disk in the immutable blue, and took his first breath of air since discovering that hell had no bottom.”

“You know how sometimes you don’t appreciate the constants in your life until they’re not there?”

“Goyhood…the state of rebounding from one travesty to the next.”

“I’m giving you the shittiest Yelp review you’ve ever seen.”

My Opinion:

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

When I received the request for a review on this book, I thought it sounded like a cute, slice-of-life story and I was partially incorrect. It does fall into what I would consider the slice-of-life category but it is so much more than that.

This story follows Mayer,  a Almud scholar who is married into a great rabbinical family. When his mother dies, he and his brother, David, find out that they are not even technically Jewish. This somehow turns into David insisting on a road trip where they bond and discover/rediscover who they are as people.

This was an enjoyably funny novel that touched on surprisingly deep topics in a light-hearted way. I am not Jewish myself but Fenton did a great job at writing a story that can resonate with anyone regardless of religious views. I was really impressed and a bit skeptical that this is Fenton’s debut novel! I found this to be amazingly well written, witty, and overall fantastic at capturing what it means to belong. Fenton did an incredible job with this one and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next!

Summary:

Overall, if you like slice-of-life stories full of humor, heart, family, faith, and so much more, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Goyhood