Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

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!

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 about Immortal:

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 about Immortal:

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 of Immortal:

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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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!

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 about Misericorde:

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 about Misericorde:

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

Overall impression of Misericorde:

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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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!

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 about Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master:

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 about Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master:

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

Overall impression of Aerenden: The Zeiibhu Master:

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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Not long ago I read Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1) by Kristen Taber and gave it 4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars). I added Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) to my TBR list and now, it’s time for my review!

Synopsis (From the author):

The Mardroch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in a remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it’s a threat they never see coming

What I liked about Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance:

As with the first book, I enjoyed the story. Meaghan continues to grow as a character and her relationship with Nick gets more complicated with each passing day. I also liked the way different powers manifested themselves in the individuals who possess them. The battle scenes entertained me. Lastly, the story flowed well and kept me turning pages. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like about Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance:

 Like the first book, I thought Meaghan and Nick’s relationship was too choppy and undefined. Other than that, no issues for me.

Overall impression of Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance:

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) was a good continuation of the series. It built on the previous book and revealed a few new characters. With good battles scenes, intrigue, and a little bit of romance, the book kept me entertained. If you like fantasy, this is one to read!

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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I decided to read a few of my fellow indie BRAG Medallion authors’ books. I started with Kristen Taber’s Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1). Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Murder. Monsters. Magic. To Meaghan, these words belong in newspaper articles and children’s stories, not her carefully planned life. Until the day she and her friend Nick witness her parents’ brutal demise at the hands of red-eyed creatures. They flee into the wilderness where Nick tells her the creatures, known as Mardróch, came from another world to kill her. He gives her a choice–face the Mardróch alone or escape through a portal into a distant kingdom.

It isn’t much of a choice.

Ærenden is a land more beautiful and sinister than Meaghan could have ever imagined. Vines attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Soldiers create bombs from the air. Even Meaghan’s newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control.

But control becomes the least of her worries when she learns the truth behind the kingdom’s fifteen-year civil war–a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.

What I liked about Aerenden: The Child Returns:

I enjoyed the way Kristen Taber melded the modern world with a medieval feeling Aerenden. The action was good, and Meaghan and Nick made good characters. The Mardróch was sufficiently evil and Garon, as the ultimate bad guy in the story, made for a great villain. I liked the way the author wove magic into the story as well. Overall, an entertaining book!

What I didn’t like about Aerenden: The Child Returns:

Nick and Meaghan’s relationship was unnecessarily choppy and the transition from modern times to Aerenden was a little odd to me. Other than that, no complaints.

Overall impression of Aerenden: The child Returns:

Aerenden: The Child Returns was a good story! Good characters, nice pace, and a little romance kept me turning the pages. I recommend this one to fantasy readers of all ages!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 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!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s connect!