William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

reviews

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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Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance by Kristen Taber – My Review!!

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Not long ago I read Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1) by Kristen Taber and gave it 4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars). I added Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) to my TBR list and now, it’s time for my review!

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance Cover

Synopsis (From the author):

The Mardroch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in a remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it’s a threat they never see coming

What I liked:

As with the first book, I enjoyed the story. Meaghan continues to grow as a character and her relationship with Nick gets more complicated with each passing day. I also liked the way different powers manifested themselves in the individuals who possess them. The battle scenes entertained me. Lastly, the story flowed well and kept me turning pages. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like:

 Like the first book, I thought Meaghan and Nick’s relationship was too choppy and undefined. Other than that, no issues for me.

Overall impression:

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) was a good continuation of the series. It built on the previous book and revealed a few new characters. With good battles scenes, intrigue, and a little bit of romance, the book kept me entertained. If you like fantasy, this is one to read!

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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Grave Digger Academy by C. A. King – My Review!!

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A while back, I read Finding the Fountain of Youth by C. A. King and enjoyed it. Another C. A. King book, Grave Digger Academy, popped up in my recommendations, so I added it to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!

Grave Digger Academy Cover

Synopsis (from the author):  

There is a reason why people don’t believe in monsters and it’s not because zombies, vampires, mummies, and ghosts don’t exist…

Welcome to Grave Digger Academy- the last place anyone wants to end up.


****************************************************************

It’s Makayla’s first year in the paranormal academy system. When all three of the schools she applies to deny her entry, there’s only one left. Unfortunately, she’s more interested in finding a way out of Grave Digger Academy than in learning its curriculum.

Gravediggers actually do the digging. Grave Diggers, however, keep buried bodies where they belong—six feet under.

This year’s students are about to learn corpses can be temperamental, and when the dead refuse to cooperate, there’s Hell to pay.

What I liked:

Grave Digger Academy was a fun read. I enjoyed the humor and almost lighthearted feel of the book. Makayla was a spunky character and her ability to involve others was a nice touch. The mystery surrounding her family added another layer to the tale. Overall, a good start to the series!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint about Grave Digger Academy was the timeline seemed accelerated in places. I understand you can’t cover every day of a school year, but time jumped around a bit.

Overall Impression:

Grave Digger Academy by C. A. King was a quick read. Good characters, good humor, and a lighthearted tone made it a fun book. If you enjoy YA paranormal fantasy, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with C. A. King:

Visit C. A King on her website or her Amazon Author Page, read about her many books, and maybe buy a couple. While there, please consider leaving a comment or a review!

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Household Spirits of Eastern Europe – My Review!!

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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!

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Trouble at Clenchers Mill by Diana J. Febry – My Review!!

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I’ve read a couple of Diana J. Febry’s books and enjoyed them. I saw Trouble at Clenchers Mill and added it to the TBR list. Here are my thoughts.

Trouble at Clenchers Mill Cover
Synopsis (from the author):

Somebody wants Richard Fielding dead.
Richard was looking forward to making a fresh start with his new wife, Alicia when they moved into Clenchers Mill. Then the attacks started.
Detained in the hospital after an unusual accident, he dismisses the claim his new wife is trying to harm him. He’s convinced the property attacks are the childish pranks of locals annoyed by his plans for Clenchers Mill. As a successful property developer, he’s seen it all before. Mindful of Alicia’s reluctance to involve the police he instructs Kate and Simon to make discreet inquiries.
Kate and Simon are keen to find the culprit, but are inexperienced and blissfully unaware they are dealing with a determined killer toying with their prey before they strike. Their first case may prove to be their last.

What I liked:

As with Diana Febry’s other books I’ve read, Trouble at Clenchers Mill was a well-written mystery. In keeping with the cozy mystery genre, there isn’t any graphic violence, which is enjoyable for me. The author did an excellent job of spinning the tale and hinting at blossoming romance between Kate and Simon. The secrets uncovered and the peril the characters encountered added a lot to the novel. Very entertaining!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint about Trouble at Clenchers Mill was the conflict between the pro-hunt and anti-hunt groups. It added a bit to the story, but if further developed could enhance the mystery.

Overall impression:

Trouble at Clenchers Mill was an entertaining read! Good characters, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of suspects made the book a fun read. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Diana J. Febry:

Visit Diana Febry’s Goodreads page or her Amazon Author page to find out more about the author and her many books! While you’re there, consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or three!

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

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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!

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