Recommendations and Reviews

I’ve read all of Doug J. Cooper’s Crystal Series and the first two books of the Bump Time series (Bump Time Origin and Bump Time Meridian) and I’ve enjoyed every one. I added Bump Time Terminus to my TBR list when it released, and it finally made it to the top. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Rose Lagerford and her “sisters,” duplicates of herself from parallel timelines, love spending time together in Bliss, a virtual world where anything they imagine can come true. Their private world is maintained by Luca, the devoted family AI who satisfies their every whim. Rose couldn’t be happier. That is, until she discovers that she and her sisters are being manipulated by Luca to uncertain ends. Alarmed by the situation, she works to derail his control. But in a world where reality seemingly rewrites itself moment by moment, who can divine what is real, and what to do next? Just as her efforts gain traction, Luca discovers the plot, and his hostile response threatens them all. Can Rose overcome her fears and escape his domination? And can she learn his secret in time to save not only her own life but the lives of her sisters?

What I liked about Bump Time Terminus:

One of my favorite things about the Bump Time series is the different take on time travel and the ability of the characters to travel without impacting the past and future. Add to that the interactions between the various Roses, Diesels, and Lilahs, plus the ever-present threat from the malevolent AI bent on dominating the world, and the story takes off from there. The twists and turns as the timeline versions battle for survival and overcome the AI kept me entertained!

What I didn’t like Bump Time Terminus:

The only complaint I had about Bump Time Terminus was trying to follow the different versions of the characters. I applaud Doug J. Cooper for his numbering scheme with them, but it was still a bit difficult. Other than that, no complaints!

Overall impression of Bump Time Terminus:

I enjoyed Bump Time Terminus! Good characters, interesting time travel ideas, and the amoral AI make for a good story. If you enjoy scifi, try this one (and the entire series)!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Doug J. Cooper:

Find Doug J. Cooper on his website, his Amazon Author page, or his Goodreads page. Stop by, take a look around (maybe buy a book or two), and consider leaving a comment or review!

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I’ve read several of Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group thrillers and enjoyed them all. His latest, Extreme Prejudice follows Zoe Tampsin and her team on another adventure. Here is my review of this thriller!

Synopsis (from the author):

For a price, he’ll expose a terrorist attack on London, but is the price too great?

If you fear trouble, don’t get into trouble. A foreign embassy official warns the UK government of a bomb attack on London. Zoe Tampsin’s Lambeth Group team is launched into a race against time to find the terrorists.

As Zoe unpicks the details, she suspects the informant didn’t tell her the whole story. With time running out, her team chase a promising lead only to have it wrenched from their grasp. Either the bombers were incredibly lucky, or they received a tip-off.

One of her team infiltrates the bombers. She discovers the attack has started, and her colleague Gavin Shawlens is missing, presumed killed by the terrorists.

While searching for Gavin, a massive disaster unfolds. Can Zoe stop colossal loss of life in a small community and prevent the collapse of a key pillar of society?

What I liked about Extreme Prejudice:

As with the other Lambeth Group novels, this one started with a bang and kept going. Zoe and her team are familiar characters, the plot is first rate, and the efforts to prevent disaster are heroic. Tons of action, political intrigue, and enormous stakes made for an exciting book!

What I didn’t like about Extreme Prejudice:

Despite all the action, and intrigue, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the other books. Gavin and Holly’s relationship, to me, didn’t enhance the story. In addition, the political backdrop seemed a bit too contrived.

Overall impression of Extreme Prejudice:

The familiar characters, action, intrigue, and twisty plot made Extreme Prejudice an exciting book. While I didn’t like it as much as the previous Lambeth Group novels, it was still a good read! If you enjoy thrillers, check it out!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Gordon Bickerstaff:

Find Gordon on his website, his Amazon Author page, or Goodreads! Visit, find out about his books (maybe buy a couple?), and leave a review or a comment!

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I read Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) by Shami Stovall, enjoyed it, and gave it a 5 Star review. I also added Dread Pirate Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #2) to my TBR. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Pirates. Griffins. A lost treasure worth killing for.

While protecting the newborn griffins on the Isle of Landin, Volke Savan and his adopted sister, Illia, run afoul of the Dread Pirate Calisto, the same cutthroat who carved out Illia’s right eye. As a master manticore arcanist, Calisto’s strength and brutality are unrivaled, so when Illia suggests they bring him to justice, Volke wonders if they’ll have what it takes to fight the corsairs on the high seas.

What I liked about Dread Pirate Arcanist:

I liked the way Volke and Illia’s characters grew both within the story and with each other. I also liked Luthair and how he and Volke continued to meld. The plot of the story made it read almost like a standalone, but it had enough threads to carry the story forward into the next book. The encounter and pursuit of Calisto adds a nice revenge theme to the story as well. Overall, an excellent second installment of the series.

What I didn’t like about Dread Pirate Arcanist:

Despite all the good aspects of the book, I thought Volke, at times, came across a little whiny and it was a bit of a distraction. In addition, Addy still is a little bit one-dimensional to me.

Overall impression of Dread Pirate Arcanist:

Good characters, a nice balance of action, and a good story make Dread Pirate Arcanist a great second book of the series. If you like fantasy, give this one a try!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with Shami Stovall:

Find Shami Stovall on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. Visit and discover all of the Firth Chronicles (and maybe pick up a few for your own enjoyment).

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest, so if you find me, say hi and let’s talk books!

I found Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) by Shami Stovall on bragmedallion.com, home of award winning indie books. I read the blurb and was intrigued by the concept. I bought it and added it to my TBR list. Here is my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Gravedigger Volke Savan wants nothing more than to be like his hero, the legendary magical swashbuckler, Gregory Ruma. First he needs to become an arcanist, someone capable of wielding magic, which requires bonding with a mythical creature. And he’ll take anything—a pegasus, a griffin, a ravenous hydra—maybe even a leviathan, like Ruma.

So when Volke stumbles across a knightmare, a creature made of shadow and terror, he has no reservations. But the knightmare knows a terrible secret: Ruma is a murderer out to spread corrupted magic throughout their island nation. He’s already killed a population of phoenixes and he intends to kill even more.

In order to protect his home, his adopted sister, and the girl he admires from afar, Volke will need to confront his hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma.

What I liked about Knightmare Arcanist:

Aside from the book’s concept of bonding with a mythical creature, I truly enjoyed reading the story. Volke is a nice character, beaten up a little bit by life, but nonetheless loved and cherished by William and his best friend and adopted sister Illia. Illia, too, is an interesting character, with her own challenges. To watch them persevere through their trials was entertaining, as was the growth of their respective eldrin. The supporting cast added tension and conflict to the story and the meeting with Gregory Ruma was a great conclusion to much of it, though it set the stage for much more. Overall, a great read!

What I didn’t like about Knightmare Arcanist:

The repetitive nature of Volke shifting into a combined character with Luthair (his Eldrin) got a little boring. I thought Addy’s character could be developed more. Other than that, no complaints!

Overall impression of Knightmare Arcanist:

The unique concept, intrigue, budding (or not) romances, and the pursuit of Gregory Ruma made for a good story. The character growth and the plot twists and turns added much to the story and kept me turning pages. I’d recommend this one for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read!

My rating:

5 Stars!

Connect with Shami Stovall:

Find Shami Stovall on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. Find all her Frith Chronicles books as well as her other works. Leave a comment, a review, and maybe buy a book or five!

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I love to read and review Indie Authors (since I am one myself) and I find many of the books I read at BragMedallion.com (two of mine are there, too). The Covenant Within by R.A.R. Clouston is one of my finds. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Most people dream, many experience déjà vu; some believe in reincarnation. But what if it really was possible to relive the lives of your ancestors?

American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he’s never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor’s help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers; and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.

What I liked about The Covenant Within:

The concept of genetic memory intrigues me and, when I saw it was a major part of the book, I had to read it. I enjoyed the way it was incorporated into the story and provided a great way of showing Jack Sinclair’s family history. I also liked the twists and turns and mystery of who was trying to kill Jack. The romantic element added nicely to the story. Overall, it was an entertaining book!

What I didn’t like about The Covenant Within:

Jack Sinclair’s temper tantrums and his inability to express his feelings were too predictable. In addition, I thought more background on his brother would have helped the story.

Overall impression:

I liked The Covenant Within! The genetic memory theme, along with the memory episodes reliving Jack’s family story kept me turning the pages. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a bit of science, this might be a book for you!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with R.A.R.Clouston:

Visit R.A.R. Clouston’s Amazon Author page, his Goodreads page or his website to discover his books and more about the author!

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I reached the end of the Rise of the Hawk series by Bekah Clark when I read The Vulture in Fall. Here are my thoughts on the fourth and final book!

Synopsis (from the author):

Trelaren’s influence has spread across Aemonsha, leaving chaos and destruction in his path. Maevan must rise to the challenge of running a kingdom and vanquishing the dangerous threats assisted only by Torrell.

While Maevan fights for all of Aemonsha, Granada is struggling to rule Cardea and protect the Frozen Fortress. With the enemy fast approaching Granada believes she can either be a great leader OR a woman in love; can Sol convince her she can be both?

As Korla and Renna arrive at the Summer Palace, so does the news of Aemonsha and Trelaren’s army. Coran and Meirei are forced to decide whether to flee the Summer Palace or stay and fight; even if it means risking their unborn child.

Will Maevan fulfill her destiny by becoming the queen her mother would be proud of and vanquishing Trelaren, or will she succumb to the dangerously powerful telepath altering Aemonsha forever?

What I liked about The Vulture in Fall:

I enjoyed the finale. There was enough action to keep me interested and the intrigue surrounding Trelaren’s treachery added a lot to the story. The relationships that grew throughout the series all resolved at the end (though I won’t say how), and the outcome of Maevan’s battle with Trelaren was satisfying. Overall, the book had excellent characters, good action, and was a good story.

What I didn’t like about The Vulture in Fall:

My only complaint about the book was that it focused more on the romance and personalities than it did on the resolution of the underlying conflict. Not enough for me to take away a star, though.

Overall impression of The Vulture in Fall:

The Vulture in Fall (Rise of the Hawk #4) was a satisfying end to a great series. If you like fantasy with a healthy dose of romance, The Vulture in Fall, along with the first three books of the Rise of the Hawk series will fit the bill!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Bekah Clark:

Find Bekah Clark on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. Stop by and check out all of her books, including The Vulture in Fall. Buy a few and don’t forget to leave a review when you finish!

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