William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

Recommendations and Reviews

The Cloisonné Brooch by Kat Drennan – My Review!!

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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!

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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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