Recommendations and Reviews

Artifact – My Review!!

Some time back, I read my first book by KT Bowes. I enjoyed the read, so when I had a blank spot on my TBR list, I thought I’d try another of her books. Read on for my review of Artifact!

Synopsis (from the author):

The ancient church in a sleepy English town releases its secrets to historian, Lara, whispering tales of depraved humanity and the murder of innocent men.

But Lara has troubles of her own, arriving in the town emotionally bruised from a devastating experience in New Zealand and two precious Maori artifacts stolen from her employer.

Struggling to deal with the spectre of guilt which haunts her, Lara tries to begin again, finding work at the local museum and friendship with her new neighbours; Kerry, an eccentric primary school teacher and Arama, a handsome but hostile businessman. Lara’s painstaking work restoring treasures recently discovered in the town’s iconic church cause her to reflect on her own life and seek redemption and hope.

But life has hard lessons for Lara as she seeks to honour the past. Not everyone wants their history laid bare for all to see and some have good reason to wish it kept hidden. As Lara finally faces the owner of her stolen artifacts her secret is brought full circle and with his presence comes unexpected love.

What I liked:

KT Bowes created characters easy to like and dislike. Lara engenders sympathy for her decision to take the artifacts, but comes across as a bit of a whiner at times. Arama’s arrogance put me off, but his vulnerability made me like him. Kerry was much the same. These fluctuations lent an air of authenticity to the story and Lara’s budding romance with Arama added a nice background. Lara’s job restoring the manuscripts was a great side story. Lastly, the ending tied everything together in just the right way. All told Artifact was an excellent read!

What I didn’t like:

As mentioned above, Lara’s whining was on the annoying side and I could have used more on the manuscripts. Other than those minor points, not much to dislike.

Overall impression:

Artifact was a good solid story. I liked the characters, enjoyed the story, and appreciated the interweaving of history as the common thread. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy romance and a bit of history!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Artifact by K T Bowes? What about her other books? If so, please consider leaving a review. Authors enjoy hearing from readers and I know she would want to know your thoughts on her work! She can be found on her Amazon Author Page or on her website. Visit and learn more about her and her books!

Connect with me:

If you want to connect with me, find me on the socials on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or subscribe to the blog so you won’t miss a post! I look forward to meeting new friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment on the review if you are so inclined.

Shield of Skool – My Review!!

Epic fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I saw the Shield of Skool by Gordon Brewer and liked the way it sounded. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

In this epic fantasy, a modest mission from his overlord turns into a perilous trek and personal quest for Urith, known as the Clovel Destroyer. Leading his nephew Oslaf across enemy lands, the warriors find allies in the demigod Mivraa and a beautiful young prophetess named Fedelm. As told by mystic visions, one of the group is destined to discover the first piece of the lost Skool, an ancient weapon of the gods, long thought destroyed.

On their quest to recover this powerful weapon, they must battle mortal enemies, both human, and monster, who will stop at nothing to terminate them. The overlords who rule the lands of Kamin are against them, and chaos begins to creep into the mortal world. The realms of the gods start to become a battleground for control of the terrifying weapon. All sides learn they have much to fear about their future when enemies create shifting alliances. The powerful and the weak become treacherous partners in the race to find the Shield of Skool.

What I liked:

The Shield of Skool is my kind of epic fantasy! Full of battles, an honor code among warriors, gods interfering with humans, intrigue, and a cool world, the Shield of Skool has it all. I enjoyed Urith as a character, and Oslaf is a good sidekick to the more experienced warrior. The budding attraction between Oslaf and Fedelm (and between Mivraa and Urith) add an interesting flavor to the story. The underworld god and goddess are delightfully evil. All told a nice start to the Clovel Sword series!

What I didn’t like:

As much as I enjoyed the story, the Shield of Skool needs another review by an editor. I found many errors that detracted from the tale.

Overall impression:

The Shield of Skool was an enjoyable read. With a review by an editor, and some corrections, this would be an excellent start to an epic fantasy series! I rounded it to 4 stars (since Amazon doesn’t allow half-stars).

My rating:

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4)

Connect with the author:

If you read Shield of Skool by Gordon Brewer, please consider leaving a review. And check out his other books through his Amazon Author Page or his website.

Connect with me:

Did you like my review? Leave me a comment and let me know. If you prefer, you can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. I look forward to meeting new friends!

Equi Knocks of Karma – My Review!

I read the first Carr-Maah Consulting Agency Mystery (Dog Days of Karma) and gave it 5 stars in my review. Now the second book of the series Equi Knocks of Karma makes its way to the top of my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

In the second standalone adventure in the Carr–Maah Consulting Agency Mystery series, Celeste Carr and Ericka Maah, business partners and friends, face a powerful and ruthless adversary.

Celeste and Ericka are shocked when Toni Rae Yelton, a self-centered party girl, storms the office and holds them hostage. Desperate, Toni Rae orders the mysterious Ericka to use her alleged supernatural powers to call off the police and the reporters, who are all convinced she’s the sinister force behind her little girl’s disappearance.

Adding to Celeste’s angst, Hobart has vanished. The mysterious man was forced off the streets some months ago. Ericka used a combination of her unusual talents and blackmail to coerce Hobart into working for her firm. He reluctantly agreed. More enthusiastically, at least until his disappearance, he was also Celeste’s boyfriend. Now, Celeste believes something terrible has happened to him.

Celeste is forced to not only investigate, but also navigate the landmines in her life. Celeste’s friend Ericka duels with her arch enemy and business rival, handsome and charismatic Christoph Metre. An odd little dog, curiously attuned to Celeste and using his teeth, claws, and smell for protection, attaches himself to her. When she’s in danger, a devilishly handsome stranger materializes to save her…and makes her less eager to find her missing boyfriend.

As the sinister cords of the mystery tighten around Celeste’s throat, she must find the person behind the mask in time to save not only herself, but others. With the fine Machiavellian hand leaving few clues but many deadly traps, Celeste will have to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

What I liked about Equi Knocks of Karma:

Jada Ryker’s quirky characters are back! Ericka Maah is as mysterious and enigmatic as ever. Celeste Carr still works on her anger issues – especially with Bennett. Hobart’s disappearance adds mystery, and Christophe Metre returns as Ericka’s nemesis and rival. Combine those with missing homeless people, and the stage is set for an entertaining book! And I didn’t even mention the weird dog.

What I didn’t like about Equi Knocks of Karma:

Without giving too much away, Toni Rae’s missing daughter wasn’t critical to the plot and seemed unnecessary. Besides that, no complaints.

Overall impression of Equi Knocks of Karma:

Equi Knocks of Karma is an entertaining read. A fast-paced read chock full of quirky interesting characters,. The book had enough mystery and intrigue to keep me reading. I recommend Equi Knocks of Karma to anyone who enjoys mysteries with a touch of the supernatural!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Equi Knocks of Karma? If you have, or if you have read any of Jada Ryker’s books, please consider leaving a review. Reviews help authors know what readers think of their books. I know Jada Ryker would appreciate it! Find out more about Jada and her books on her Amazon Author Page or on her website! Lastly, look for Jada’s Kindle Scout book Take the Body and Run!

Connect with me:

Like or dislike my review? Leave a comment and let me know. Want to connect on social media? Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Say hi! Lastly, you can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I enjoy reading the comments and making new connections!

#ArtofTwitter – My review!

Today I venture into new territory – reviewing a non-fiction book! As an author of fantasy adventure books, I like to hang out in fictional places. Despite that desire, and having read Mr. Parson’s novel Blott, when he released his book The #ArtofTwitter: A Twitter Guide with 114 Powerful Tips for Artists, Authors, Musicians, Writes, and Other Creative Professionals, I decided to give it a read.

Synopsis (from the author):

MASTERING TWITTER IS THE MOST POWERFUL WAY TO GET YOUR VOICE HEARD AS A CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

In The #ArtOfTwitter, fantasy writer and Twitter coach Daniel Parsons explains how he grew a 90,000 strong army of loyal followers and gained real-world influence as an indie author. Breaking his tactics into short chapters and simple, actionable steps, he demonstrates exactly how any creative professional can achieve similar results.

Whether you’re a writer, artist, musician, or any other creative professional, The #ArtOfTwitter will show you how to:

– Understand the changing world of social media
– Avoid common mistakes
– Grow your popularity without being suspended
– Gain a bigger audience by using hashtags
– Build strong relationships with your followers
– Nurture follower engagement
– Save time with Twitter apps
– Implement a strategy for sustained growth
– Make money with Twitter ads
– Ensure every tweet is a hit
– Get real-world influence

What I liked about The #ArtofTwitter:

Unlike some of the book marketing books and courses out there, Mr. Parsons gives real instruction, great how to tips, and examples of how he grew his Twitter following to over 90,000! As an author who is constantly searching for new ways to connect with followers and readers, this advice is very helpful – especially the don’t do this parts! In addition, he presents the information in an easily readable and understandable manner. Because of Mr. Parson’s success, I know I will be using the tips and information presented in The #ArtofTwitter to grow my Twitter followers!

What I didn’t like about The #ArtofTwitter:

Since there aren’t any characters to discuss, no plot to pick apart, or subplots to explore, there isn’t much to dislike about the book.

Overall impression of The #ArtofTwitter:

The #ArtofTwitter by Daniel K. Parsons is a surprisingly practical and easy to follow guide for navigating Twitter. If audience growth and social media connections are your goal, this is one book that will help get you there! Give it a try!!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Did you use The#Artof Twitter to increase your Twitter presence? If so, why not let @DKParsonswriter know? You could leave him a review, visit his Amazon Author page, or visit his website. I know he would be happy to hear from you!

Connect with me:

Speaking of Twitter (and other social media), you can connect with me there or on Facebook, and Goodreads,. If you prefer, leave me a comment on the blog, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, or subscribe to the blog (if you don’t want to miss a post). I look forward to meeting you!

The Du Lac Chronicles – My Review!!

When I read the blurb for The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde, I figured I had to read the book. After all, who isn’t interested in Lancelot’s offspring!

Synopsis (from the author):

“It is dangerous to become attached to a du Lac. He will break your heart, and you will not recover.” So prophesies a wizened healer to Annis, daughter of King Cerdic of Wessex. If there is truth in the old crone’s words, they come far too late for Annis, who defies father, king, and country to save the man she loves.

Alden du Lac, once king of Cerniw, has nothing. Betrayed by Cerdic, Alden’s kingdom lies in rubble, his fort razed to the ground and his brother Merton missing, presumably dead. He has only one possession left worth saving: his heart. And to the horror of his few remaining allies, he gives that to the daughter of his enemy. They see Annis, at best, as a bargaining chip to avoid war with her powerful father. At worst, they see a Saxon whore with her claws in a broken, wounded king.

What I liked about the Du Lac Chronicles:  

My favorite part of the story was the extension of the Arthur legend and Lancelot’s descendants. In addition, weaving historical figures (like Natanleod) against the backdrop of the story lent an authentic air to the tale. Annis’ character was believable, and Alden suffered enough to engender sympathy. The story itself was an entertaining one and full of intrigue, court politics, romance, and sacrifice. If you like historical fantasy fiction, check out this one!

What I didn’t like about the Du Lac Chronicles:

About the only thing I didn’t like was Annis’ continual fear of Alden leaving. Despite his pledge not to leave her, she lapsed back into the fear. For me, it was almost whining and that was a distraction. Despite the distraction, though, I enjoyed the book.

Overall impression of the Du Lac Chronicles:

The Du Lac Chronicles  is an excellent story with good characters, intrigue, and sacrifice. Although the book had a  predictable ending, I enjoyed this book! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of fantasy, a lush historical backdrop, and a great story!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read The Du Lac Chronicles? If so, please consider leaving a review. If not, give this one a try! I know Mary Anne Yarde would appreciate it. if you want to know more about Mary Anne Yarde and her books, check out her Amazon Author page or her website.

Connect with me:

Was my review helpful? Leave me a comment and let me know! As always, you can connect with me on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Or, if you prefer, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I enjoy connecting with new friends!

Bentwhistle The Dragon  In A Threat from the Past – My Review!!

I’ve seen buzz out there in social media for Bentwhistle the Dragon In A Threat from the Past by Paul Cude. Since I like dragons, I read the blurb, thought it sounded interesting, and gave it a read. Below are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Ever been addicted? Most people have at some point, but it was different for these three. They’d become addicted to their respective sports: hockey, lacrosse and rugby. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, apart from the fact they’re DRAGONS, living in the present day, in a world in which dragons disguised as humans have infiltrated the human race at almost every level, to guide and protect them.

Three young dragons, a master mantra maker, and a complete dragon stranger with more than a little history attached to him, become caught up in an evil plot by a sinister newcomer to steal a precious commodity, vital to the dragon community. How will the reluctant hero and his friends fare against an enemy of his race from far in the past?

Fascinating insights into the dragon world are interspersed throughout the book. Ever wondered how dragons travel below ground at almost the speed of sound? Or how they use magical mantras to transform their giant bodies into convincing human shapes?

In an action packed adventure that features both human and dragon team sports, you’ll learn the true story of George and the Dragon, get a dragon-like perspective on human social issues and insight into what to do if you meet a giant spider grinning at you when you’re wearing nothing but your smile!

You’d be flamin’ mad to miss it. 

What I liked about Bentwhistle the Dragon:

Who doesn’t like dragons? Especially dragons who nurture and guide humans. And dragons who can change shape and pass for humans and live among us. That is what you get in Bentwhistle the Dragon! The dragon characters entertained me, the mystery of both Gee Tee and Manson intrigued me, and the laminium ball game reminded me of Quidditch! I liked the interplay among the characters, and the three major dragons in the story (Tank, Richie, and Peter) had a delightful friendship. Overall, a good read!

What I didn’t like about Bentwhistle the Dragon:

The story dragged in a few places. In particular, Peter’s indecision and Richie’s refusal to believe Manson’s evil slowed the book. In spite of those slow parts, none of them affected the read as a whole.

Overall impression of Bentwhistle the Dragon:

Good characters, an interesting take on dragons, cool games, and who knew dragons were techies? Couple those things with a good story, and you get a nice read! I recommend the book to anyone who likes dragons and anyone ages 10 and up!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Bentwhistle the Dragon In A Threat from the Past? If so, please consider leaving a review! If you haven’t read it, give the dragons a chance! In addition, visit Paul Cude’s website or his Amazon Author Page to discover more Bentwhistle books!

Connect with me:

Did you like my review? Please leave me a comment and let me know. If you want to connect with me on social media, I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Or, if you prefer, drop me and email at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to hearing from you!