Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

The Sapphire of Poseidon – My Review!!

I read and reviewed the first three books of the Scepter Series by Scott L Collins. When he released The Sapphire of Poseidon (Scepter #4) it immediately went on the TBR list. I’ve finally got to it and I’m glad I did! Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

With the Emerald and Ruby now reunited with the Scepter of Harmony, the rebellious group of children intent on overthrowing the malevolent King Argyle must face a new challenge: recovering the Sapphire of Poseidon. In order for the full power of the Scepter to be restored, the jewel must be inserted back into the staff.

With Argyle now at war with Queen Kyrie, and his ships scouting the lake to locate her, as well as the realm of the Merfolk, the small band of insurgents must find a way to cross the Great Lake while avoiding not only Argyle’s fleet, but the kraken he’s released in an attempt to draw the Queen of the Lake into battle.

Time is running short as Argyle is sure to figure out their plans for bringing together all the pieces of the Scepter. Once he does, it’ll be a race to recover the remaining gems, and if Argyle finds one first, the fight, and the kingdom, will be lost forever.

What I liked about The Sapphire of Poseidon:

As with the other books in the series, following the cast of characters on their adventures is like renewing old friendships. Daniel and his friends travel to recover the Sapphire of Poseidon. Along the way, they make new friends and reunite with old companions. The story is excellent, King Argyle continues to be sufficiently evil, and our heroes’ abilities continue to grow. All in all, The Sapphire of Poseidon is a wonderful addition to the series!

What I didn’t like about The Sapphire of Poseidon:

Other than a couple of slow spots, there really wasn’t much to dislike about this one!

Overall impression:

The Sapphire of Poseidon (Scepter #4) is an excellent book! With familiar characters, plenty of action, budding romance, and the evil King Argyle, it kept me entertained! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good YA fantasy adventure!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the Scott L Collins:

Find Scott L Collins on his Amazon Author page and his website. Discover more about the author and his books and consider leaving a review for The Sapphire of Poseidon (or any of his other books)! I know he’d appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Please leave a comment if you liked (or didn’t like) my review. Connect with me on social media on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. You can also drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. I enjoy connecting with new friends. I look forward to meeting you!

Tainted Waters – My Review!!

Tainted Waters (Paranormal Peacekeepers Book 1) by Lucretia Stanhope (a Goodreads recommendation) was a different fantasy novel and one that I enjoyed! The combination of elves, witches, and magic took new directions and was a lot of fun!

Synopsis (from the author):

Half witch. Half light elf. Welcome by neither. Alice is alone and desperate to fit in at her aunt’s coven when she embarks on a dubious quest for cave nettle.

Dark Elf. Decker is a leader running out of time. Isolated from the main cave system due to a hex making the water in his cave toxic, even the war his clan demands won’t save them.

The two must put aside centuries-old survival instincts and work together to save lives and preserve the fragile treaty between the coven and clan.

What I liked about Tainted Waters:

Alice was a plucky heroine with a different outlook on life than most of the other witches. Decker was a sufficiently evil foil, but he and Alice somehow worked together. Jasper played an important role in the story as well, but I can’t say much without spoilers. Suffice it to say the intrigue, action, and creepy parts of the book made Tainted Waters a most enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like about Tainted Waters:

I would have liked more on Alice’s background and why she was sheltered like she was and how she came to live with her mother. I also wasn’t that fond of how things ended with the witches. Other than that, not much to dislike!

Overall impression:

I liked Alice and Jasper and Decker became somewhat of likable by the end of the story. The witches weren’t too likable, but made for good characters. Alice’s journey to discover her magic so she could try to save the Dark Elves was a great background for the story. Lastly, the action and the story itself were entertaining! I recommend Tainted Waters (Paranormal Peacekeepers Book 1) for YA audiences and fans!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

Find Lucretia Stanhope and her books on her Amazon Author Page and her Facebook page. Please consider leaving a review, too! Reviews let authors know what you think about their work. It helps make us better writers.

Connect with me:

If you want to connect with me, find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. You can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or leave me a comment on the blog. Subscribe to the blog, too, so you don’t miss a post!

Deadly Secrets: The Truth Will Out… – My Review!!

Thrillers used to be one of my go to genres and I still enjoy them on occasion. When Deadly Secrets: The Truth Will Out… (A Lambeth Group Thriller) showed up in my recommendations, I jumped on the opportunity to read it!

Synopsis (from the author):

The truth will out…

Gavin’s life will be turned upside down. He joins a company to work on a product that will revolutionise the food industry. His initial gut instinct is to walk away until he discovers one of the company directors is the former love of his teenage life.

The financial implications are global and incredible. Powerful individuals and countries are prepared to kill as they compete to seize control of the company. Corruption at high levels, a deadly flaw in the product, and the stakes jump higher and higher.

Against overwhelming odds, Gavin must rescue his former love from the hands of an evil cult as they prepare her for a living nightmare.

What I liked about Deadly Secrets:

Deadly Secrets hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. Fast-paced, full of action, and loaded with twists and turns, the book grabbed me and kept my attention throughout. I liked Gavin, and Emma, and the BARSCO organization was the sufficiently evil antagonist. The science added nicely to the story, and the attempt to corner the market on a food additive believable. Overall, a nice solid thriller!

What I didn’t like about Deadly Secrets:

The various competitors for the food additive didn’t add to the story for me – especially the Russians. Additionally, for a shadowy government agency tasked with protecting Britain, the Lambeth group seemed a bit lost. Though it emphasized his human side, Gavin in action was a bit of a disappointment.

Overall impression:

Deadly Secrets: The Truth Will Out… (A Lambeth Group Thriller) was a good solid read. The action, plot, and characters made the story enjoyable. I recommend this one to any thriller readers!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Find out more about Gordon Bickerstaff and his books on his Amazon Author page or his website. Please consider leaving him a review for Deadly Secrets or any of his other books you’ve read!

Connect with me:

Let’s connect on social media! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, so find me and say hi! You can also leave me a comment on the blog or drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com.

The Weight of Shadows – My Review!!

I don’t know the algorithm Amazon uses to send recommendations and sometimes it’s hit or miss. When I received the recommendation for The Weight of Shadows (Shadow Series #1) by Karl Holton, I was surprised. Normally not a reader of crime fiction (though I have read a few), I decided to give this one a shot. Good call!

Synopsis (from the author):

When you have spent your life in the shadows, what would you do at the dying of the light?

Three years ago the best murder detective in London is blamed for the death of his colleague and kicked out of the Met.
A man with secrets buried in the past and present returns to London, the city that started the mysterious career which made him a billionaire.
The two need each other.
But they have no idea how much.

What I liked about The Weight of Shadows:

I enjoy stories that twist and turn and keep you guessing. The Weight of Shadows had plenty of that and more! The protagonist, Danny Benedict, is a complicated man with a world-weary air about him. His colleagues make for a nice backdrop for the tale, and the millionaire who seeks Benedict’s help adds a good mysterious element to the book. Overall, an entertaining read with nice pace.

What I didn’t like about The Weight of Shadows:

In spite of how much I enjoyed the book, I had a couple of issues. First, the investigation into the mobsters and the millionaire’s needs made it a bit difficult to keep up with events. Secondly, the opening encounter implied to me that Benedict would die (he obviously did). How he survived was never explained.

Overall impression of The Weight of Shadows:

The Weight of Shadows (Shadow Series #1) by Karl Holton is a good read. Plenty of action, a realistic plot, and intriguing characters add up to a book I enjoyed. I recommend this one to any fans of crime thrillers!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Find more about Karl Holton on his Amazon Author Page or his website. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review!

Connect with me:

Find me on the socials on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I enjoy meeting new friends so say hi, drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com, or leave me a comment! Thanks for visiting!

History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) – My Review!

Dystopia and science fiction often go well together and History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) by James Garmisch is no exception. This one came to me from an Amazon recommendation and I’m glad it did!

Synopsis (from the author):

Moments before his execution, Huan is given a clear choice: infiltrate the Global Resistance—or die, and never see his children again.

The Alliance is collapsing, and Huan, a former economist for the worldwide government, knows how it was engineered. History has been reset, the children of dissidents re-educated, and the family unit abolished. The facade of utopia is evaporating.

Meanwhile, beyond the city walls, the separated lands are shifting from despair to chaos. Smoldering discontent is about to explode. Huan is neither a soldier nor a spy, but he will have to become both—and quickly—if he is to survive and to save the family that does not know him.

What I liked about History’s Prisoners:

History’s Prisoners grabbed my attention from the start. The encounter between Doon and Reanna, followed by the battle, sets the stage for this sci-fi dystopian book. Well-written, plenty of action, behind the scenes political maneuvering, and a hint of romance, makes this a good read. And I can’t forget to mention Sasha and his memorable character! 

What I didn’t like about History’s Prisoners:

For me, the details of the world, though entertaining, slowed the story. In addition, many parts were too predictable.

Overall impression of History’s Prisoners:

History’s Prisoners (Invasion #1) was a good dystopian sci-fi novel. Well-written, memorable characters, and an eerie parallel to current events (on both sides of the political aisle and society in general), the book entertained me, but kept me wondering at the same time.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the Author: 

Find out more about James Garmisch and his books on his Amazon Author Page or his website. While you are at it, please consider leaving a review to let him know your thoughts on his book!

Connect with me: 

I appreciate you taking time to read this review! Please leave me a comment or connect with me on social media. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I enjoy meeting new friends, so say hi on the socials or drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com!