William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

Trouble at Fatting House – My Review!!

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I’ve read a couple of Diana J. Febry’s books, including Trouble at Clencher’s Mill, the first of Kate and Simon’s adventures. I enjoyed it and added Trouble at Fatting House to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!

Fatting House Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Simon and Kate land the perfect house-sitting job in a quirky, old farmhouse.
But, when the neighbours are murdered, they discover the house has a sinister past connected to an identical killing.
Following another attack, Simon disappears, and the police uncover disturbing secrets about his past.
Compelling evidence against Simon mounts, leaving Kate alone, unsure what to believe or who to trust. Is Simon the killer? Or a pawn in somebody else’s game?
As Kate closes in on the truth, she realises too late that the stakes are far higher than she ever imagined. 

What I liked:

As with the first book, I liked Simon’s and Kate’s characters. Add in the new information regarding Kate’s deceased husband, the intrigue of the murders of the neighbors, and Simon’s disappearance, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining cozy mystery. How does it all play out? You’ll have to read Trouble at Fatting House to find out!

What I didn’t like:

The police actions were too stereotypical for my liking. Didn’t distract from the story much, but it was a small point. Other than that, no complaints from me.

Overall impression:

I liked Trouble at Fatting House! While cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre, a little diversion from time to time is refreshing and this book provided it! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with Diana J. Febry:

Find Diana J. Febry on her Goodreads page or her Amazon Author page. Discover her many books (maybe buy a few) and consider leaving a review or a comment.

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Bump Time Meridian by Doug J. Cooper – My Review!!

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I read the entire Crystal Series and the first book of Bump Time Series, Bump Time Origin, and enjoyed all of them! When Bump Time Meridian (Bump Time Series Book 2) released, I added it to my TBR list. Finally got to it and here are my thoughts!

Bump Time Meridian Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

David “Diesel” Lagerford rides his T-box across timelines, where each stop is a parallel world with its own Diesel, wife Lilah, and daughter Rose. Its origin uncertain, the T-box is safe for any of the Diesels to use, and they do so to gather and bond in a tight brotherhood. But instant death awaits all other would-be travelers, a limitation unacceptable to the Lilahs and Roses. Determined to travel the timelines themselves, the “sisters” work to reverse engineer the T-box. But in their rush to succeed, they inadvertently expose the technology to an outsider—Sparky Fontaine—who exploits the information to build his own device. Intent on gaining immense wealth and power, Sparky uses his T-box to kidnap Diesel, and then makes alarming demands for his safe return. Cornered, the Lagerfords devise a high-stakes rescue gambit. But how do they locate a hostage adrift in time? And can they execute their plan without revealing their secret to the world?

What I liked:

Doug J. Cooper did a great job with the time travel concept. I liked the introduction of a new antagonist (not that the AI has disappeared) and how the Lilahs and Roses took on a more active role in the story. Sparky was a good adversary and his efforts to exploit the T-box and ultimate resolution made for a good read. Overall, Bump Time Meridian entertained me!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint is that it is still a bit difficult to keep up with the various timelines and which Diesel is doing what. Other than that, no issues!

Overall impression:

A good second book in the series. If you like sci-fi with a cool twist on time travel thrown in, read Bump Time Meridian (after you read Bump Time Origin, of course)!

My rating:

4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with Doug J. Cooper:

Find Doug J. Cooper on his website, his Amazon Author Page, or his Goodreads page. While visiting, check out all his books (maybe buy a couple) and consider leaving a comment or a review!

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Immortal by David Boiani – My Review!!

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Immortality. Would you accept it if offered? Not sure I would, but when David Boiani’s Immortal showed up in my recommendations, I wanted to read his take on it. Glad I did!

Immortal Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

What if the Fountain of Youth was real?

Humans have always been obsessed with aging and death. Throughout history, the quest for a way to remain forever young has consumed mankind. What if two men stumbled upon a way to ensure eternal youth? What if it changes their lives, not only for the better, but in ways they never could have imagined?

Immortal is a story filled with adventure, mystery, and thrilling twists. Follow these men as they stumble upon not only their greatest discovery, but possibly their ultimate undoing.

What I liked:

Immortal had an interesting spin on the immortality quest. Not what I expected, but it entertained me throughout. The premise of finding a non-magical fountain of youth, plus insights into various philosophies, made for a good read. All told, it was an imaginative and thought-provoking novel!

What I didn’t like:

Two things bothered me about Immortal. First, despite the main characters’ education, their language when they were at the bar plotting their adventures, was more suited to a locker room and seemed out of character for whom they were supposed to be. Secondly, Daniel’s wife, Madison, seemed to be completely fine with everything and didn’t ask questions as long as Daniel performed in the bedroom. Little things, but they didn’t add to the book for me.

Overall impression:

Immortal was an enjoyable read! Interesting insights into philosophy, cool adventures, and an existential take on immortality added up to a thought-provoking novel. Good stuff!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with David Boiani:

Find David Boiani on his Amazon Author page, Goodreads page, or his website. Discover Immortal and his others books, consider leaving a review or a comment, and maybe buy a book or two!

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Misericorde by Cynthia A Morgan – My Review!!

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I read Cynthia Morgan’s The Reviled a while back and enjoyed it tremendously. When Misericorde (Mercy Series Book One) came up on my Amazon recommendations, I knew I had to add it to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!

Misericorde Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

It’s the year 2446, and the first three Horsemen of Revelation’s Apocalypse have ridden.

Pestilence, War and Famine have changed the world into a dictatorship ruled with an iron fist. Commoners have few rights, and liberty is a distant memory.

Before the final Horseman is released, the Archangel of Mercy – Tzadkiel – makes a bold plea, asking for permission to find even one human who remembers the meaning of mercy and compassion. He is given 100 years, until Death will sweep across the land.

Taking human form and coming to Earth, he finds a world ruled by greed, hatred and fear. With time running out and Death growing impatient, can Tzadkiel find what he’s looking for… and how much will he need to sacrifice?

What I liked:

Misericorde had a great storyline! I’m not usually a fan of books with angels, but the focus was not on Tzadkiel’s angelic side, but more on the human frailties he experienced in human form. This is a dark fantasy novel, and parts of Lourdes’ plight and Tzadkiel’s suffering are difficult to read, but in the end, it is a story of hope and possibilities. Well done!

What I didn’t like:

There wasn’t much to dislike in the book, so no complaints from me!

Overall impression:

Misericorde (Mercy Series Book One) was a well-written and thought-provoking novel. Good characters, great story, and a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak world made this a book to enjoy. There are dark elements to the story, so the reader should be aware of that, but if you like dark fantasy, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Cynthia A. Morgan

Find Cynthia A. Morgan on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads page, or her website. If you read (or plan to) Misericorde or any of her other books, please consider buying another book or two and leaving a review.

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Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master – My Review!!

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I read the first two books of the Aerenden Series by Kristen Taber and enjoyed both. I added Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3) to my TBR list after finishing Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance. Here are my thoughts!

Zeiihbu Master Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Separated and on opposite sides of the kingdom, Nick and Meaghan face different pursuits which could change the balance of power in Ærenden forever.

While Nick trains the villagers as soldiers, Meaghan and a small rescue party venture into Zeiihbu to find Faillen’s young son before Garon can use the boy’s power to destroy those still fighting against his rule.

Everyone knows Meaghan could be on a suicide mission, but when Nick stumbles upon a secret concealed in one of the southern villages, he realizes Garon might not be Meaghan’s greatest foe. The enemy most likely to kill her is someone who has also promised to keep her safe.

What I liked:

As with the other Aerenden books I’ve read, this one didn’t disappoint. Megan and Nick are still working through their relationship, but this time far apart from each other. Megan and Nick both grow characters and leaders, while the turmoil in Aerenden grows in turn. The intrigue surrounding the prophecies and their interpretation added a nice background to the story. Overall, Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3) is an excellent addition to the series!

What I didn’t like:

My only issue with the book is that Cal seems to be stuck as a character and overreacts to every situation.

Overall impression:

Good writing, good characters, and a great story all combine to provide a fun fantasy read. If you enjoy fantasy, try Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3)! Of course, you’ll need to read the first two books, too, just to make sure you know the entire story!!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Kristen Taber:

Find Kristen Taber on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads Page, or her website. Find out what she up to and more about her books. While there, consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!

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Time to B.R.A.G. a Little (again)!

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My readers recall that The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian won its first award from IndieBrag when it received the B.R.A.G. medallion in 2015. This past October, I submitted Book Two: The Amethyst and guess what? It won as well, so it’s time to B.R.A.G (again)! I could not be prouder!

B.R.A.G. The Amethyst Cover

What is IndieBRAG?

As a refresher, IndieBRAG, home of award-winning independent authors, awards the B.R.A.G. medallion. B.R.A.G. stands for Book Readers Appreciation Group and has as its mission is to discover talented independent authors and give their work the attention and recognition they deserve. According to their website, all books brought to their attention are subjected to a rigorous selection process. They screen the works to ensure they meet minimum standards for quality and content. If the book passes the screening process, IndieBRAG makes the book available to a global group of readers, who can select the book based on the genre.

B.R.A.G. Medallion:

IndieBRAG only awards 20-25% of the submissions a B.R.A.G. medallion, indicating the book is well-worth readers’ time and money. Now I have two! I plan to submit Books Three and Four at some point in the future and hope to have the entire series listed on the website just as The Carnelian and The Amethyst are!

In the market for good independently published books? Visit the IndieBRAG website and see what interests you. I’m reading a fellow B.R.A.G. medallion author’s book now and they are excellent! I’ll bet you can find your favorite genre there, too. As always, if you read a book, please consider leaving a review! It doesn’t take long. Your feedback is appreciated and welcomed by the authors.

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Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Visit my Amazon Author page or find me on the IndieBRAG site. Stop by, check out The Gemstone Chronicles, and say hello!