William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

ebook

Household Spirits of Eastern Europe – My Review!!

by Leave a Comment

If you’ve read my blog, you know I write fantasy. As part of my research about mythical creatures, I ran across A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe by Ronesa Aveela. I added it to my TBR list (one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read for pleasure). Read on for my thoughts!

Household Spirits Cover
Synopsis (from the author):

Eastern European mythology and folklore contain a rich, colorful blend of Christian and pagan tales, customs, and rituals. Many have lost their original significance, but others are still practiced—especially in remote, rural locations.

House Spirits, the first in a series of books, will take you on a journey to discover nine fascinating house spirits you may never have heard of. Here are a few tidbits about what you can expect to find within the book’s pages:

– Unusual noises at night in your attic may be a Talasum or a hungry Stopan.
– Sacrificing a black hen and sprinkling its blood in the foundation of a new home keeps the building and occupants safe from evil spirits.
– Builders often measure passersby with string or “capture” their shadow in the mortar of a wall to make structures strong.
– Forgetting to wash your dishes at night and leaving your house messy anger a Kikimora, and she’ll get her revenge.
– Don’t kill a snake because it may be the spirit guardian of your home.
– Have you heard of the Bannik? Taking a steam bath will never be the same again after you learn about his habits.

That’s not all. You’ll learn historical facts, discover fascinating and horrifying stories, and enjoy beautiful illustrations to gain a complete experience of these elusive house spirits.

What I liked:

A Study of Household Spirits or Eastern Europe was a fun read! I learned much about the spirits and their quirky ways. I also learned how to attract the spirits (or at least get them to move with you) and how to get them to leave. All told, it was an entertaining learning experience!

What I didn’t like:

There wasn’t much to dislike about the book except many of the spirits had similar characteristics. Combining them might make it an easier read.

Overall impression:

If you want to learn about Eastern European household spirits and their interesting and sometimes terrifying ways, read this book! If nothing else, if you don’t live in Eastern Europe, you’ll be happy they aren’t in your neighborhood!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Ronesa Aveela:

Find out more about Ronesa Aveela on her Amazon Author Page or her website. While you’re there, consider leaving a comment or review and maybe pick up a book or two!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr! If you find me, say hi and let’s connect!

Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul – My Review!!

by Leave a Comment

I decided to dip my toes into the dystopian genre for my latest read and chose Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul. Read on for my thoughts!

Lights Out Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Ever since the war ended, the United English Cityships have had equality. The rules are clear. You are born, you live and the day following your sixtieth birthday, you are sent off for your final sleep.

Lock is a firm believer in the system. It means that everyone is truly treated equally. It’s only when she checks in an attendee who claims to be younger than her chip says that Lock starts to realise there may be someone gaming the system.

The problem is the corruption goes higher than Lock could even begin to imagine. As her belief in the world she lives in starts to crumble, Lock finds herself wanting justice for those who have gone before their time.

Can she do it? Or will they silence her before she can get the word out?

What I liked:

Lights Out was an interesting read and there are many things in it that could apply to today’s world.  However, that is not the focus of my review. Lock, our protagonist, is a good character. There was ample diversity in the book and I liked the idea of everyone treated the same. But, as with most “utopian society” ideas, it really isn’t fair. The mystery is who makes the decision and how can it be stopped? And, does society even want it stopped? No spoilers from me, so you’ll just have to read it to find out!

What I didn’t like:

For me, the story dragged in a few places and it took a while to get to the heart of the story. Some of the characters were a little underdeveloped (Chris, for example), and there was too much repetition in the characters’ mannerisms.

Overall impression:

Lights Out by Joey Paul had many good elements. Lock’s character was good, the storyline intriguing, and the mystery behind who was gaming the system added a nice touch. If you enjoy dystopia, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Joey Paul:

Find Joey Paul on her Amazon Author Page or her website and discover this prolific author and her many books (and maybe pick up a few). While you’re there, please consider leaving a comment or a review!

Connect with me:

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

Sizzler by Wolf Schimanski & B. J. Tiernan – My Review!!

by Leave a Comment

Sizzler – My Review!!

Sizzler Cover

I read Standing on a Whale by B.J. Tiernan a while back and enjoyed her style of writing. I ran across Sizzler by Wolf Schimanski and B.J. Tiernan and decided to try it and read a little paranormal thriller genre. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

When Lexi-Jo Lyman, a Freelance writer, and Herbert Duvane, a mysterious computer technician, find themselves caught up in a bizarre takeover of the tranquil city of Margate, Florida, the heat is on. Personalities and behaviors are changing in the locals against their will, and no one can figure out why. Crime, murder and promiscuity are on the rise, and the gentle city is in utter chaos.

Looking through some curious journals, Lexi-Jo and Herbert discover that the only hope to extinguish the gripping phenomenon is to recover a lost amulet in the Everglades — the key to the hostile invasion. An expedition is set up, and the search for the amulet is on. Staggered by the dark web that is closing in all around them, Lexi-Jo and Herbert realize they are in way over their heads and reach out to Kellie Sierra, a Margate detective, for help. Will it be too late, or will they crack the dark puzzle that is threatening their lives and tearing the city apart?

What I liked:

I enjoyed the premise of the book. The idea of spirits controlling the actions of humans and drawing power from their evil behavior hooked me. I also liked the way the authors handled the sex and violence. It had an almost cozy mystery feel to it. It was there, but it wasn’t front and center in your face. Herbert and Lexi-Jo are good solid characters, Teddy is a nice distraction as they kid that helps them, and Toni and Ghost made great characters to dislike. Overall, a paranormal thriller that will keep you entertained!

What I didn’t like:

Despite the good things about Sizzler, I had a couple of issues. First, the relationship between Kellie Sierra and Lempke was stereotypical. Secondly, there were slow spots that I skimmed.

Overall impression:

Sizzler by Wolf Schimanski and B.J. Tiernan entertained me. Nicely crafted characters, an interesting paranormal twist, and lots of intrigue kept me reading. There were a few slows spots and the interaction between Kellie Sierra and Lempke was predictable. If you like paranormal thrillers, though, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with B.J. Tiernan:

Find B.J. Tiernan on her Amazon Author Page or her Goodreads page. Stop by and visit, leave a comment or a review, and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with Wolf Schimanski:

Find Wolf Schimanski on his Amazon Author Page and his Facebook Author page, too! Visit to discover his Meter series and maybe pick up a copy!

Connect with me:

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

Milestones – or a Few Accomplishments over the Last Seven Years!!

by Leave a Comment

Milestones!

Milestone the first:

Today’s post marks a number of milestones! What milestones, you might ask? The first significant milestone is that August 12 marks seven years since The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian publication date! Since that day,  The Carnelian picked up an Indie BRAG Medallion and a Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medal. I’ve published the other three books of the series, attended many festivals and books signings, spoke at schools, and learned more than I ever thought possible about writing. I’ve met amazing authors, reviewers, and book promoters. I keep writing (can you believe three WIPs?) and hope to publish my fifth book (the start of a new series) in 2020.

The Carnelian Cover Milestones

Though I haven’t hit the bestsellers list yet, I am eternally grateful to each and every person who took the time to read one or all of the books. My favorite author moment came from a teacher (and former classmate). She told me she struggled to get a student to read. When she told the student she knew an author (me), and maybe he would read my books. I sent her a set. She reported back to me that he loved them and has become a voracious reader! That makes it all worthwhile!

Milestone the second:

I also celebrate reaching the 15,000 Twitter follower milestone! Writing The Gemstone Chronicles made me aware of the various avenues of social media and, after trying most of them, settled on Twitter as my main social media platform. I know it isn’t a huge following, but I continue to grow it and I hope I’m providing some assistance to other authors out there.

Milestone the third:

The final milestone I’m marking is that this post is my three hundredth blog post! That’s right! This blog started on August 12th, 2012 to announce The Carnelian’s publication. What a long but interesting journey it has been! I’ve written posts about my books, book promotion sites, gemstones, duct tape, conspiracy theories, and many book reviews! I’ve even slipped a few posts about submarines and my time in the Navy. I like to post my book reviews and maybe give a fellow author a bit of exposure. I hope my posts reflect my rather eclectic interests both in the different genres I review and the occasional foray into my hobbies and interests.

As always, I’m humbled and grateful for everyone’s continued support and for the readers who’ve taken time to read my books and read and comment on my blog posts. Though I can’t thank all of you personally, please know how much I appreciate you and will try to continue to provide enjoyable content!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect! Don’t miss a post either. Subscribe to the blog!

Pandora Syndrome by April Wahlin – My Review!!

by Leave a Comment

Pandora Syndrome – My Review!!

Pandora Syndrome Cover

Pandora Syndrome: Stories of Ithiria popped up in my recommendations not too long ago. Though I’m not a vampire story fan, I read the blurb, and added it to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

After being shot outside a club on her twenty-first birthday, Pandora Todd, aka Dora, finds herself in the bed of a handsome stranger with a pair of snake-like fangs. Now, instead of a hangover, Dora wakes with an intense hunger for blood and the strange ability to control all things dead, a distinctly un-vampire trait. Unfortunately, just when Dora grows accustomed to the vampire aspects of her eternal life, she finds herself targeted by a rival necromancer. Soon, Dora becomes wrapped up in a plot that will shape her past, present, and future.

What I liked:

First, I enjoyed this book! April Wahlin did a great job of taking vampires, werewolves, zombies, and other horror denizens and made them more human than monster. It was an interesting way to make the story different from others. Seen through the eyes of Dora, the story follows her transition from new adult to vampire – something she doesn’t particularly like to be. Pandora Syndrome also handles Dora’s relationships with other supernatural beings in a humorous and entertaining way. All told, a fun read!

What I didn’t like:

I only have two minor complaints about Pandora Syndrome. First, the story moved a little slowly in places. Second, the cliffhanger ending. I know, personal preferences, but that is why they are minor complaints.

Overall impression:

April Wahlin did a good job with her characters, the story, and building a supernatural world superimposed on Los Angeles. A few slow spots and the cliffhanger ending bothered me a little, but not enough to knock the rating. If you like supernatural stories, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with April Wahlin:

Find April Wahlin on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads, and her website. Check out her books (and maybe buy one or two), and leave a comment or a review!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect! If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!

The Traveling Man (The Traveler’s, #1) by Michael P. King – My Review!!

by Leave a Comment

The Traveling Man – My Review!!

The Traveling Man Cover

Every now and then, I like to read a crime thriller. I ran across The Traveling Man (The Traveler’s, #1) by Michael P. King and put it on the TBR list. Here is my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

In a life-and-death contest among criminals, even the most cunning may not survive…

The Traveling Man and his wife have built a life for themselves conning criminals and getting away scot-free. But when their latest scheme to sell contaminated land goes south, they find themselves in a cat-and-mouse game with the crime boss who’s turned the tables on them and the partners who’ve betrayed them.

Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side?

What I liked:

The Traveling Man was a fun read! Lots of action, plot twists, great cons, and betrayals kept me guessing what was coming next. Add to the mix the innocents caught up in the game, the oddly ethical bent of the Traveling Man, and it’s a winning combination.

What I didn’t like:

Despite the good parts mentioned above, the book did bog down a few times as The Traveling Man and his plans fell apart. I had issues with some of the dialogue as well.

Overall impression:

The Traveling Man (The Traveler’s, #1) was an enjoyable read. The cons were flawed enough to be believable, the characters’ amoral enough to pull off their scams, yet Rob (the title character) had an ethical side. If you’re a fan of crime novels, read this one. Please note there is sex, violence, and strong language.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Michael P. King

Find Michael P. King on his Amazon Author Page and his Goodreads Author Page. While you’re there, check out the rest of his books (and maybe buy a couple) and leave him a comment or a review!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Find me, say hi, and let’s connect! Don’t miss a post, either! Subscribe to the blog! If you liked the review (or if you didn’t), leave me a comment!