Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

The Lazarus Succession – My Review!!

I love a good thriller with religious conspiracy connections. Ken Fry’s novel The Lazarus Succession fits the bill perfectly! Read on to discover my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

The Lazarus Succession takes readers to the ancient scene of Christ’s greatest miracle, to medieval Spain, and back to modern-day Europe. In typical Ken Fry style, nothing is as it seems and a surprise awaits at every turn of the page.

According to legend, Annas Zevi, an artist who witnessed the raising of Lazarus, was told by Christ to paint what he saw. Over the centuries, his completed works has vanished, along with every other painting depicting Lazarus’ resurrection. They were rumoured to be sacred icons with miraculous powers.

International Art Recovery Experts, Broderick Ladro and Ulla Stuart, are hired by a disgraced High Court judge, Sir Maxwell Throgmorton, to locate a long lost medieval painting by Spanish artist Francisco Cortez. Like Zevi, his work is said to be divinely inspired.

Throgmorton’s client, a wealthy Spanish Condesa, is terminally ill and the icon is her last hope. She will pay and do whatever it takes to find the missing work of Cortez.

Unbeknown to the Condesa, Throgmorton seeks to make a vast personal fortune from the discovery of the paintings, and use it to reclaim his place in society.

Ladro and Stuart learns of Throgmorton’s deceit and attempts to thwart his plans. As they delve deeper into the mystery of the missing Cortez painting, they discover a secret that changes their lives forever.

Just as it changed the lives of everyone it touched across the centuries. 

What I liked:

This story drew me in immediately! The story started with a bang and kept up a great pace throughout. Brody and Ulla were great, Throgmorton was an excellent though odious player, and the Condesa was the perfect sympathetic character. All told, I thoroughly enjoyed The Lazarus Succession! Full of religious symbolism, action, and a mystical end, the book entertained me!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint was Throgmorton’s end. A little more mysticism would have played better to me given the way the story ended. I would say more, but then I’d have a spoiler and I don’t do that!

Overall impression:

The Lazarus Succession was everything I wanted in a religious-themed thriller. Great characters, plenty of action, mystical happenings, and great pace made it a most enjoyable read! Well done Ken Fry!!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

When do you plan to read The Lazarus Succession? Soon, I hope! If you do read it, please consider leaving a review and let Ken Fry know your thoughts. I’m sure he will appreciate it. If you want to check out Ken Fry’s other books, you can find them on his Amazon Author page or his website. Visit and maybe buy a book or three!

Connect with me:

If you want to comment on my review, leave a comment on the site, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, of find me on the socials! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I welcome and appreciate shares, likes, and feedback!

Wham! (Timewalker Book 1) – My Review!!

I read the Heart of the Staff series by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps and enjoyed it tremendously. When the duo released Wham! (Timewallker Book 1), it went on my TBR immediately! Read on for my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

When the World Alliance seized power from all the governments of the world, they said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to unite all the nations of the globe under one banner in order to bring universal peace, equality and prosperity to the world.

To most families throughout the world, the rise of the Alliance and their grandiose promises meant little. They had long grown weary of the lies of the corrupt law-makers and heads of state and were far more concerned with their day-to-day struggles to survive.

The Greenwood family was no exception, and for a time life went on much as it had before the rise of the Alliance. In time, individual cultural and racial identity were outlawed. They said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to create a more harmonious, homogenous world community. The Greenwood family adapted.

But then they took away freedom. They made it mandatory for all households and public buildings to have skinwelers, crystal spying balls in every room, in order to watch the people’s every move. They said it was for the greater good, and they said it was necessary for public safety and civil order. And the Greenwood family adapted.

But then the state took their family farm and lands and moved them to Gollsport where they had built barracks for all the displaced citizens. They said it was for the greater good. They said the countryside had become contaminated by farm chemicals and the relocation was for their continued health and safety. Once again, the Greenwood family adapted.

But then they came in the night and took away seventeen year-old Tess Greenwood’s entire family. They said it was for the greater good. They said Tess would adapt and in time she would be far better for it.

But Tess cared not for the Alliance’s greater good. She did not adapt. She wanted her family back and vowed to do whatever she must in order to see them again. Little did she know, that to keep her vow, she would have to become a timewalker.

What I liked:

Wham! Brought back great memories of The Heart of the Staff series by tying the old with the new. Though the books are nothing alike, the familiarity was a great bridge. I liked the dystopian feel to the world, and Tess was an easy character to like. Nia was a sympathetic character in impossible circumstances, but found friends, an unlikely ally, and an uneasy relationship with the potentate. Add to the mix Maxi the troll (and an amazing hairdresser), and the stage is set for an enjoyable tale.

What I didn’t like:

Maybe it will come in future books, but I needed more background on how the world reached its current state. Additionally, the dialogue from Maxi was a bit hard to follow.

Overall impression:

I liked Wham! the start to the Timewalker books! As mentioned above, I liked the bridge to The Heart of the Staff series, and the characters were excellent. As with The Heart of the Staff series, Wham! (Timewalker Book 1), this is a series fantasy readers will enjoy!

My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

When do you plan to read Wham! (Timewalker Book 1)? Soon, I hope! When you do, please consider leaving a review and let Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps know what you think. While you’re at it, consider leaving reviews for The Heart of the Staff books! You can find all of them on their Amazon Author page or their website.

Connect with me:

Thanks for reading my review. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about it. If you’d rather, connect with me on the socials (Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest), or email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality – My Review!!

Steampunk – not my normal genre – is an interesting world to visit. When you can add elements of science fiction and fantasy into the mix, it becomes intriguing. Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo has all that and much more! Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.

When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.

M’nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control.

Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption?

What I liked:

Holly Barbo’s steampunk world of Myrn was an intriguing construct. Part scifi and all steampunk, the blend of the two made for an interesting read. Kes and his father play their roles convincingly, and the greed and disregard for the populace portrayed by the elite fit into the narrative nicely. I liked the supporting characters Lastly, the fantasy elements of the sunstone and the connection with the goddess tied everything together.

What I didn’t like:

The general population’s treatment at the hands of the bankers and corporations was a bit too cliché for me. Additionally, the reaction of the populace to their circumstances was predictable. I would like more description of the goddess and how the sunstone brings about change. Improvement in those areas would make the story more real.

Overall impression:

Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo was an intriguing read. Cool steampunk gadgets, well-done characters, and a good storyline kept my attention throughout the book. All in all, a good read. I recommend this one to steampunk and fantasy readers!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

I hope you’ll check out Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo and consider leaving a review! And visit Holly Barbo’s Amazon Author page or her website to discover more of her books (and maybe buy a couple)! I know she will appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Speaking of reviews, what did you think of this one? Leave me a comment and let me know. If you’d rather, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or connect with me on the socials. I am Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Don’t be shy, say hello! I always looking to meet new friends. As always, I greatly appreciate shares and likes!

Thanks for visiting! See you soon.

The Star Realm – My Review!!

As a fantasy author, I’m constantly on the lookout for that genre. When Amazon recommended The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell, I gave it a shot. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?

Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, the Star Realm question remains…will Time be on their side?

What I liked:

The Star Realm has all the elements in place for a great story. 5 friends embarking on a great quest, danger lurking around every corner, help from unexpected places, and a satisfying conclusion made the book an enjoyable read. I liked the talking flowers and the various challenges the children accepted. The goblins were my favorite characters!

What I didn’t like:

My dislikes included some of the dialogue, especially from Billy, which was difficult for me to follow. Billy’s constant food obsession irritated me. Lastly, I never really understood Ezrin’s reason for choosing the children for the quest.

Overall impression:

I think this book would appeal to middle grade readers and maybe very young teens. The Star Realm has fun characters, touches on many of the issues in the world today, and enough action and adventure to hold the reader’s attention.

My rating:

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 stars)

Connect with the author:

What do you think? Will you  read The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell? I think you should give it a chance. Visit Julie’s Amazon author page to see the rest of her books (and maybe buy 1 or 2)!

Connect with me:

Do you like my reviews? If so (or if not), leave me a comment and let me know. If you would rather, send me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. And, don’t forget to connect with me on the socials! I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog! I enjoy meeting new friends!!

The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) – My Review!!!

The Threat Below (Brathius History Book 1) was in my Kindle recommendations recently. The title intrigued me, and the blurb sounded good, so I decided to give it a shot. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Three hundred years ago, something arose and pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. Now, a small remnant – the descendants of the few survivors who were able to escape the massacre below – lives above the clouds, on the top of a mountain. But there’s been a change. Their water supply is being poisoned. Someone, or something down below is trying to kill them. Now an expedition, including seventeen year-old Icelyn Brathius, must descend and face the monsters that wiped out civilization centuries ago.

As Icelyn faces dangers in a world humans are not meant to survive, she learns that not everything is as it seems, uncovers an ancient revelation, and then faces a choice that may change the fate of everyone above and below the clouds.  Will Icelyn be strong enough to both survive and bear the terrible secret?

Join Icelyn Brathius as she leaves everything she has ever known to journey to the place no one was ever supposed to go.

What I liked:

The Threat Below was a fresh take on dystopia. The premise of a handful of humans clinging to life at the top of a mountain, while the threat to their existence lurked just below the cloudline fascinated me. Add to it the rigid society existing among the humans, the clear class distinction inherent in their world, the background intrigue for power, and the stage is set for a great tale. Icelyn, with her conflicting feelings about two males and a predestined future, makes a compelling character. The two rivals for her attention become unwilling participants in her quest. But, I have to stop there as you’ll get no spoilers from me. Overall, a good read!

What I didn’t like:

At times, the story was slow. Additionally, I didn’t understand why they sabotaged the water supply in that way. Other than that, good book.

Overall impression:

The Threat Below (Brathius History #1) was a good read! Though slow in spots, the characters, action, and story kept me interested. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys dystopia with a scientific twist!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

If you’ve read or plan to read The Threat Below by Jason Latshaw, please consider leaving a review. As an author, I know the value of reviews, and I’m sure Jason Latshaw would appreciate it!

Connect with the author:

If you want to connect with Jason, you can find him on his Amazon Author page. Stop by, check out The Threat Below and his other books, and say hi (and maybe leave that review we talked about)!

Connect with me:

If you liked (or didn’t) my review, leave a comment and let me know. You can also drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com, or connect with me on the socials. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, so don’t be shy, say hi!