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William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

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Recommendations and Reviews

Elements by Nia Markos – My Review!!

December 21, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

Elements – My Review!!

As an indie author, I like supporting other Indies by buying, reading, and reviewing their work. I took a look at The Independent Author Network looking for fantasy to read. I found Elements (The Crystal Series Book One) by Nia Markos. Here are my thoughts!

Elements by Nia Markos Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

“What would you do if you suddenly discovered that nothing about life was as you thought it was and all your choices seem to have been made for you centuries before you were born? That’s the reality young Alexa faces, and how well she copes will determine the fate of her world and that of the preternatural. Now, if only someone would explain what is going on!”

For eighteen-year-old Alexa finding a place to put down roots after being forced into a nomadic life by her paranoid mother was not as simple as she had believed. Her attempt to settle down in the coastal town of Beverly comes to an abrupt halt. Within months an explosion levels her apartment building, and all her preconceived ideas of her world come to an end.

Now on the run, Alexa can only follow Bet, her roommate, into the unknown, where the worlds of the Sidhe race of faeries, warlocks, daemons, and shadows, threaten her very existence.

Pulled into a prophecy that she together with Aidan, the Sidhe Prince, would right their worlds, Alexa finds herself fighting against the prophecy’s telling of her being bound to Aidan. What makes it worse is her increasing attachment to his brother Liam.

With her destiny set centuries ago, can she save their worlds in time, does she have a choice in whom to love, or will choosing her own path lead to their destruction?

What I liked about Elements:

There is much to like about Elements. It has a familiar feel to it (though I haven’t read any of Nia Markos’ work before). Being of Irish and Scot descent, stories of the Sidhe fascinate me and the way Nia Markos worked them into the story was excellent. Alexa is a good character, and Aidan plays his role well. Liam, too, figures prominently into the story. All told, an entertaining fantasy novel and a good start to the series.

What I didn’t like about Elements:

Although I enjoyed the story, Alexa and Aidan approach to their relationship and the constant reference to it got a bit old. In addition, Eliana’s character was too flat to me and needed to be fleshed out more.

Overall impression of Elements:

Nice story, good characters, the underlying conflict, and Alexa’s growth into her powers made Elements an enjoyable book! If you like YA fantasy, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Nia Markos:

Find Nia Markos on her Amazon Author page, Goodreads page, or on her website! While visiting, please consider buying a book or two and leaving a review!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest and say hello! Let’s talk books, submarines, quantum physics, or conspiracy theories. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart

Dragon Thunder by J. S. Burke – My Review!!

November 3, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

I read the first two books of the Dragon Dreamer series (The Dragon Dreamer and Dragon Lightning) and enjoyed both! When J.S. Burke released Dragon Thunder, I added it to my TBR list. It’s up now for review and here are my thoughts!

Dragon Thunder by J. S. Burke Cover
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B49F7SM

Synopsis (from the author):

Drakor foresees the doom of dragons, but Mardor refuses to listen. No one thinks the youngster will challenge this huge, powerful ruler!
Now Drakor is the unexpected leader in a new world, where deadly problems grow faster than the unnatural storms. And as hard as it was to win that terrible fight, leading is harder. As Mardor incites a rebellious clan, Drakor questions everything. How can the clan survive if they can’t work together? And can he survive another brutal fight with that giant?

As the world plunges into winter, Arak and Scree offer their help. But Drakor’s seafaring friends face their own threats. Only one thing is clear: Everyone is in danger.

What I liked about Dragon Thunder:

I enjoyed the trip back to the worlds of dragons and octopuses! This one doesn’t involve Scree and Arak as much, but they play important roles. This book delves into the leadership growth of Drakor and the Ice Dragons. With lots of action in a new world, dangers that lurk around each corner, and challenges growing daily, Drakor’s trials make for good reading! If you enjoy a bit of dragon fantasy, read Dragon Thunder!

What I didn’t like about Dragon Thunder:

My only complaint was Mardor’s repeated insubordinate actions. One or two would have sufficed, but I thought more than that was unnecessary and distracted from the story.

Overall impression of Dragon Thunder:

As with the rest of the series, Dragon Thunder entertained me! I enjoyed getting to know Drakor more and liked the way he solved problems. If you like dragons, conflict, and a good story, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with J. S. Burke:

Find J. S. Burke on her website, her Amazon Author page, and her Goodreads page. While you’re there, consider leaving a review or a comment (and maybe buy a book of two)!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Find me and let’s connect! If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog. As always, likes and shares are greatly appreciated!

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart

The Cloisonné Brooch by Kat Drennan – My Review!!

September 9, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

Every now and then I step outside my normal genres and read something new. This selection is no exception. The Cloisonné Brooch: A Serpent’s Coil Time Travel Romance was in my recommendations, so I decided to try it. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Tessa Madigan’s perfect world turns upside down when she finds a cache of old jewelry sealed in the wall of the Balboa Island home left to her by her Uncle Theo.


Most of the jewelry matches the description of artifacts stolen from a museum during WWII. The only piece missing is the Cloisonné Brooch. The smart thing would be to report the find to the authorities. However, metallurgist by trade, romantic at heart, Tessa can’t resist trying on a serpent bracelet from the cache. With a warm, almost imperceptible slither from her wrist to her biceps, the serpent tightens and a cloudy veil lifts from a window into the past. There is a slave girl being sold at auction, a sensual encounter with a powerful Praetorian guard, and her own hands drenched in blood. She rips the bracelet off her arm and vows never to put it on again.

Was it a kooky dream brought on by too much whisky during Friday Night fun with her boyfriend, Phillip? Or does the serpent’s coil have a dangerous, irresistible power? Wrapped in Phillip’s arms, she can believe in the dream. But the moment he leaves, she can’t shake the feeling she was involved in something terrible. Shaken to her core, she can’t help believing Uncle Theo hid the jewelry for a reason. What happened to the Cloisonne Brooch? Is she responsible for someone’s death in the ancient past? She can’t rest until she knows the truth.

What I liked:

The Cloisonné Brooch was a different take on time travel and I enjoyed it. Tessa’s dreams (or were they simply dreams?) made for a great transition between the past and present. Add to it the heat between Phillip and Tessa and Marcus and Kindra, throw in a splash of murder, a little ancient palace intrigue, and all the elements are there for a great story! No spoilers from me, so read the book and find out for yourself!

What I didn’t like:

I never really understood how one character (again, no spoilers from me) got to the present time and Kindra and Marcus’ fates were unsatisfying.

Overall impression:

The Cloisonné Brooch took a different approach to time travel. I enjoyed the interwoven story from today to the ancient past. If time travel romance is your go to genre, or if you are looking for something different to read, this is a book for you!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Kat Drennan:

Find Kat on her Amazon Author Page, her website, or her Goodreads page! Check out The Cloisonné Brooch and her other books (maybe buy a few). While there, consider leaving a review or a comment. I know she’ll appreciate it!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s connect!

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, Reviews, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart Tagged With: book review, cloisonne, Constantine, Kat Drennan, romance, The Cloisonné Brooch, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart. Author

Trouble at Fatting House – My Review!!

August 11, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

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!

Trouble at Fatting House by Diana J. Febry 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 about Trouble at Fatting House:

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 about Trouble at Fatting House:

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 of Trouble at Fatting House:

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.

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Let’s connect!

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, Reviews, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart Tagged With: book, cozy mystery, Diana J Febry, ebook, fiction, mystery, review, reviews, suspense, The Gemstone Chronicles, Trouble at Fatting House, William L Stuart. Author

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

July 29, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

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 by Doug J. Cooper 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 about Bump Time Meridian:

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 about Bump Time Meridian:

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 of Bump Time Meridian:

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!

Connect with me:

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

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, Reviews, The Gemstone Chronicles, William L Stuart Tagged With: book, Bump Time, Bump Time Meridian, Bump Time Origin, Doug J Cooper, ebook, fiction, sci-fi, science fiction, The Gemstone Chronicles, time-travel, William L Stuart. Author

Immortal by David Boiani – My Review!!

July 7, 2020 by Bill Stuart Leave a Comment

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 by David Boiani 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 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!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, so let’s connect! Don’t miss a post, either. Subscribe to the blog!

Filed Under: Recommendations and Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: book, book review, David Boiani, ebook, fiction, Immortal, immortality, paranormal thriller, review, supernatural, The Gemstone Chronicles, urban fantasy, William L Stuart. Author

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