Recommendations and Reviews

Beyond Cloud Nine– My Review!!

I’m off on a sci-fi tangent for a couple of weeks. First up in my TBR is Beyond Cloud Nine (Beyond Saga, #1) by Greg Spry. Goodreads recommended this one. Good choice!

Synopsis (from the author):

Brooke was flying high until abruptly halted by a mysterious crime

Ace fighter pilot, Brooke Davis, is speeding through Jupiter’s orbit, dreaming of becoming the first human to fly faster than light. Instead, she is drawn into a criminal conspiracy— involving terrorists, aliens, and the highest level of government, including her boss at the U.N. — that threatens not only her shot at history, but the future of the solar system.

Will the entire solar system break down in this futuristic thriller?

The solar system is destabilizing. Separatists attempt to assassinate the U.N. Secretary-General. Territories are seceding and acquiring antimatter weaponry. Just as all-out war seems inevitable, alleged extraterrestrials attack colonies throughout the solar system, forcing humankind to work together to combat the invaders. If the U.N. loses its ability to keep the peace, human civilization may stumble back into the dark ages.

Brooke’s excruciating dilemma could determine the future of the human race

Brooke is ordered to keep quiet about the crime she witnessed by the U.N. Security Council President. As the invaders draw closer to Earth, Brooke must decide whether to reveal what she knows. Keeping quiet might allow mankind to triumph and usher in a golden age, albeit one based on lies and deception. But revealing the truth could send the human race down a path toward self-annihilation.

What I liked about Beyond Cloud Nine:

Beyond Cloud Nine had great sci-fi elements. First-rate technology, towering buildings, interplanetary travel, awesome star fighters, and much more made this a fun read. Add to it the “sparking” hotshot pilot, familial strife, and the military industrial complex, and everything is there. I enjoyed Brooke Davis’ character, and the AI attached to her fighter was amazing. Overall a good sci-fi read!

What I didn’t like about Beyond Cloud Nine:

Despite the cool technology, I didn’t understand why the pollution problem wasn’t solved. It seemed out of sync with the advances made in the world. I mean how can you have light speed and interplanetary travel, but still burn hydrocarbons? In addition, the communication technology didn’t seem as advanced as it should in comparison to the other advances.

Overall impression:

Beyond Cloud Nine (Beyond Saga, #1) was an enjoyable read. There was enough action and adventure to keep me interested, and the story itself was excellent. Despite a few issues for me as a reader (see what I didn’t like above), this was a good read. I recommend it to any sci-fi readers.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Greg Spry:

Find out more about Greg Spry and his books on his website or Amazon Author page. While you’re visiting, consider leaving a comment or a review. I know Greg Spry will appreciate it!

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The Reviled (Dark Fey Book One) – My Review!!

I’ve had my eye on The Reviled (Dark Fey Book One) by Cynthia A. Morgan for a while. I added it to my TBR list and it finally reached the top. Read on for my thoughts on this epic fantasy novel!

Synopsis (from the author):

Ayla has an exceptional combination of magical gifts: empathic telepathy, discernment, and the gift of healing.

Gairynzvl was abducted by The Reviled at the age of seven, and suffered cruel neglect, abuse and deprivation – a process designed to turn childfey from the Light.

Now, fifteen years later, he is a Dark One who lingers in the shadows, trying to communicate with Ayla.

Through her extraordinary gifts and against all odds, Ayla listens to him when no others will, and touches his pain.

What I liked about The Reviled:

The Reviled (Dark Fey Book One) had everything I like in a fantasy novel. Good characters, surprising twists, a little romance, and action. Ayla was a personable character, but Gairynzyl stole the show. A Dark Fey trying to return to the light, his contact with Ayla sets the stage for the story. Ayla’s struggle to decide between two worlds and two loves made it a great tale. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like about The Reviled:

In spite of all the good things in the book, it did get a little slow in spots. Other than that, not much to complain about!

Overall impression:

The Reviled (Dark Fey Book One) kept me turning pages. Good characters, nice storytelling, good conflict, and well-written action sequences make this a book for any fantasy fan.

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Find Cynthia A. Morgan on the Dark Fey website or her website. If you read (or plan to) The Reviled (Dark Fey Book One) or any of her other books, please consider leaving a review.

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You found the blog, so consider leaving a comment or subscribing. Connect with me on social media, too! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation!

The Seventh Seal (The Chronicles of Daniel Stone #1) – My Review!!

I got back to my fantasy roots after a couple of recent forays into new genres. I’d seen this book talked about on Twitter and it was in my Goodreads recommendations, so I picked it up. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

Fifteen year old Daniel Stone’s world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped by the villainous Odling Smee. He learns that his late father was one of the seven Keepers of Thera charged with maintaining the balance of life on Earth and its alternate self Arthe and that this great responsibility has now fallen on him.

Smee is intent on overthrowing the Keepers and taking control of life itself and Daniel, as heir to the Seventh Seal, now stands in his way!

Daniel has to come to terms with the lies and deceit of his parents as well as the burden of his father’s inheritance as his life heads uncontrollably into a future he could never have imagined. His childhood now lost he has to face the heavyweight of adult responsibility.

What I liked about The Seventh Seal:

I enjoyed the narrator’s account of everything. The Seventh Seal, told in a more conversational way, kept me interested. Daniel’s battle with the lies his father told, the omissions from his mother, and Smee all add nice elements to the tale. Smee is a good villainous character, and the Keepers fallible enough to show their humanity. Thera made a cool alternate world. Overall, an enjoyable book!

What I didn’t like about The Seventh Seal:

In spite of (or perhaps because of) their human foibles, the Keepers almost had an air of incompetence about them. Smee too easily outsmarted those tasked with protecting everything. Those two issues for me combined to detract from The Seventh Seal (The Chronicles of Daniel Stone #1) a bit. I also thought fleshing out Daniel’s would add to the tale.

Overall impression of The Seventh Seal:

The overarching story of The Seventh Seal was entertaining. The action added nicely to the story, and Smee was a great villain. All told, an enjoyable book and one that I recommend to any fantasy fan!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Discover more about A. J. Dobbs on his Amazon Author Page or his website. While you’re there, please consider leaving him a review or a comment. I know he’d appreciate it.

Connect with me:

Want to talk about the review or recommend a book to me? Leave me a comment or drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. Find me on social media, too! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Don’t miss a post, either. Subscribe to the blog. I welcome new friends!

The O’Brien Detective Agency – My Review!!

The O’Brien Detective Agency!

Occasionally, I like to step outside my normal genres (fantasy and science fiction) and read something unexpected. This week, I stepped into the world of chapter books with The O’Brien Detective Agency (The O’Brien Family Adventures #1) by Simon Hartwell. Read my thoughts below!

Synopsis (from the author):

The O’Brien twins; Lisa and Tina, together with their younger brother, Ben, create the O’Brien’s Detective Agency and piece together the clues to find their neighbour’s missing cat. By chance, they stumble upon a clue to a bigger mystery, a series of robberies and putting aside their sibling rivalry, the O’Brien Detectives are on the case.

What I liked about The O’Brien Detective Agency:

The O’Brien Detective Agency was a charming read. The siblings work well together, despite Lisa’s irritation with Ben. Ben provides a great younger brother character with both insights and typical six-year-old behavior. His sisters both exhibit serious sides, but still manage to carry off the young teen persona. The investigation into the mysteries was done with just the right amount of tension. All told, it was an entertaining book!

What I didn’t like about The O’Brien Detective Agency:

Since The O’Brien Detective Agency is written for children, there isn’t much to dislike about it. However, the stereotypical actions of Ben and Lisa detracted from the story a little.

Overall impression:

If you are looking for a chapter book for young readers, try The O’Brien Detective Agency (The O’Brien Family Adventures #1). It’s a quick read and the characters and story are entertaining.

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the Simon Hartwell:

Discover Simon Hartwell’s books on his Amazon Author Page. While you’re there, consider leaving a comment or a review and let him know what you think of his book(s)!

Connect with me:

Find me on social media and let’s connect! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest!

Minutes Before Sunset (Timely Death #1) – My Review!!

Amazon gave me this recommendation, so I checked the blurb. It’s paranormal romance (not my usual genre) but, after reading the blurb and a few of the Amazon reviews, I added it to my TBR list. Read on for my thoughts on Minutes Before Sunset (Timely Death #1) by Shannon A Thompson.

Synopsis (from the author):

Two destinies. One death.

“Her kiss could kill us, and my consent signed our death certificates.” 

Eric Welborn isn’t completely human, but he isn’t the only shade in the small Midwest town of Hayworth. With one year left before his eighteenth birthday, Eric is destined to win a long-raging war for his kind. But then she happens. In the middle of the night, Eric meets a nameless shade, and she’s powerful–too powerful–and his beliefs are altered. The Dark has lied to him, and he’s determined to figure out exactly what lies were told, even if the secrets protect his survival.

Jessica Taylor moves to Hayworth, and her only goal is to find more information on her deceased biological family. Her adoptive parents agree to help on one condition: perfect grades. And Jessica is distraught when she’s assigned as Eric’s class partner. He won’t help, let alone talk to her, but she’s determined to change him–even if it means revealing everything he’s strived to hide.

What I liked about Minutes Before Sunset:

First, the storytelling was excellent. Second, the characters were easy to relate to and reminded me of people I knew those many years ago in high school. Lastly, the dual personas of the shades was an interesting twist. The action held my attention, and Eric and Jessica’s budding attraction added the romantic element. Overall, an enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like about Minutes Before Sunset:

in spite of how much I enjoyed the characters, Eric’s brooding teen personality was too stereotypical. Other than that little thing, not much to dislike!

Overall impression:

Minutes Before Sunset (Timely Death #1) had all the elements for a good paranormal romance book. Good characters, lots of teen angst, romance, and the background of Eric’s impending fight to save his kind made this one a great start to the series!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

Find Shannon A Thompson on her Amazon Author Page or her website. Please consider leaving a review and let her know how much you liked the book(s)! I know she’ll appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Find me on the socials or leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on my review! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest or you can drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. Say hi and let’s connect!

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!