William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

scifi

Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed – My Review!!

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Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka – My Review!!

Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka

I’m not a zombie fan. Even though The Walking Dead is filmed around Atlanta, I don’t watch the show and haven’t read many zombie books. Scifi and dystopia are good, but not zombies. I surprised even myself with my selection of Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka by Brenda Mohammed. Here are my thoughts on this zombie scifi novel!

Synopsis (from the author):

Set in 2036, the world of Zeeka Chronicles is modern and futuristic.

But something evil is afoot.

The villainous Zeeka is planning revenge and is breeding zombies to wipe out the Islanders on Gosh.

Why does he want revenge?

New technology and scientific breakthroughs in the field of medical science set the stage for the unimaginable in this tale of a hateful man, kidnapping, love, lies, revenge, female robots, a ghost, a deadly virus, sixty programmable zombies, corruption in the police force, and a hero you will love.

Dr. Steven Sharpe knows Zeeka’s secrets.

Can he expose Zeeka without risking his life and that of his beloved family?

Will Detectives Jack Wildy and Jerry Cole discover the truth?

Can secrets remain buried?

What part does Janet, Raynor, Mandy, Miranda, and Zombie Number Nine play?

What I liked:

I enjoyed much of the story and the imaginative spin on zombies and technology. Many twists and turns made it hard to guess the outcome, and there were plenty of surprising events. If you like zombie tales with a touch of romance and plenty of action, give Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka a chance!

What I didn’t like:

There were two areas that detracted from the story for me. First, the dialogue was difficult to follow and was stiff and didn’t flow well. Secondly, the interactions between the characters seemed awkward.

Overall impression:

Brenda Mohammed’s Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka was an enjoyable read. Futuristic technology, zombies, ghosts, and plenty of action made it a fun read. Check this one out if zombies are your thing!

My rating:

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 Stars)

Connect with Brenda Mohammed:

Find Brenda Mohammed on her Amazon Author page and discover her many books. While visiting, please consider leaving a review. I know Brenda Mohammed will appreciate it.

Connect with me:

Find me on social media and say hi! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. As always, thanks in advance for any shares and follows!

Beyond Cloud Nine (Beyond Saga, #1) by Greg Spry – My Review!!!

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Beyond Cloud Nine– My Review!!

Beyond Cloud Nine Cover

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:

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:

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!

Connect with me:

Let’s connect on social media! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. Find me and say hi! If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog. As always, shares and comments are most welcome and greatly appreciated!

Mystical Aria: Seeking the Gallion Queen – My Review!!

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Mystical Aria: Seeking the Gallion Queen – My Review!!

Mystical

I had a spot open on my TBR and picked another Georgia author to read and review. This time, it’s Mystical Aria: Seeking the Gallion Queen by Jean Neff Guthrie. The book is a fantasy/sci-fi novel aimed more at tweens and early YA, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Synopsis (from the author):

Alien RSVP: Yes!

Psychic tween Aria Vanir, of Virginia Beach, trusts only her mother with the knowledge of her visions until she connects with technically and spiritually advanced aliens, the Gallions. Then Aria confides in her best friend, Tommy Manger. His surprise doubts and anger threaten to end their friendship. When the Gallions beam Aria, Tommy, and Aria’s tomboyish older sister, Jackie, aboard their superspaceship, Aria’s mother makes a bold move to save her daughters. None of them realize that the Navy has sent Aria’s SEAL father, William, on a mission to capture the Gallions or destroy their superspaceship. Worse, William has no idea that he’s putting his daughters in harm’s way.

Nashata, Queen Supreme of the Gallions, leads a diplomatic mission to make peaceful contact with Aria, the only human she trusts with the secrets of her people. Can Aria succeed in her quest to meet the queen in person, despite the fears and disbeliefs of those closest to her?

What I liked:

I enjoyed the way Aria used her hidden gift to communicate with the aliens. I also appreciated her willingness to accept the Gallions as friends, rather than with suspicion as the adults did. The supporting characters added quite a bit to the story, especially Aria’s sister Jackie and Tommy. The Gallions added a bit of comedy relief to the story, and their technology was cool! All in all, a nice read!

What I didn’t like:

Despite what Tommy and Jackie brought to the story, the characters were not fleshed out as well as they could have been, and Aria’s father’s reaction was too predictable.

Overall impression:

Mystical Aria: Seeking the Gallion Queen is an excellent book for the tweens and young adults. It dealt with conflict, opportunity, trust, and family all while entertaining me. Though written for younger ages, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Does Mystical Aria: Seeking the Gallion Queen by Jean Neff Guthrie sound like your kind of book? Give it a try! While you’re at it, consider leaving a review. It only takes a few minutes and means a lot to authors! And, since you are already surfing around the web, visit Jean Guthrie’s Amazon Author page and her website.

Speaking of reviews, if you liked (or didn’t) my review, leave me a comment and let me know. Subscribe to the blog so you won’t miss any post. Lastly, find me on the socials and let’s connect. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com.

The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell – My Review!!

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The Star Realm – My Review!!

The Star Realm Cover

As a fantasy author, I’m constantly on the lookout for that genre. When Amazon recommended The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell, I gave it a shot. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?

Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, the Star Realm question remains…will Time be on their side?

What I liked:

The Star Realm has all the elements in place for a great story. 5 friends embarking on a great quest, danger lurking around every corner, help from unexpected places, and a satisfying conclusion made the book an enjoyable read. I liked the talking flowers and the various challenges the children accepted. The goblins were my favorite characters!

What I didn’t like:

My dislikes included some of the dialogue, especially from Billy, which was difficult for me to follow. Billy’s constant food obsession irritated me. Lastly, I never really understood Ezrin’s reason for choosing the children for the quest.

Overall impression:

I think this book would appeal to middle grade readers and maybe very young teens. The Star Realm has fun characters, touches on many of the issues in the world today, and enough action and adventure to hold the reader’s attention.

My rating:

3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 stars)

Connect with the author:

What do you think? Will you  read The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell? I think you should give it a chance. Visit Julie’s Amazon author page to see the rest of her books (and maybe buy 1 or 2)!

Connect with me:

Do you like my reviews? If so (or if not), leave me a comment and let me know. If you would rather, send me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. And, don’t forget to connect with me on the socials! I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog! I enjoy meeting new friends!!

Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh by David Wind – My Review!!

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Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh – My review!!

Trinity Cover

I read the first two books of this trilogy (and gave them both 5 stars). When David Wind released Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh, it hit my TBR list immediately. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):  Concluding the opening Trilogy of the Tales Of Nevaeh series, Areenna of Freemorn and Mikaal of Tolemac bring together the ten dominions for one last battle against their ruthless enemy. The Dark Masters threaten to annihilate the Nevaens, wiping humanity from the face of the earth, unless Areenna and Mikaal can find the mystical power that is Nevaeh’s salvation
To save their world, and their people, they must go where no one has gone for 3000 years: below the Island—deep beneath what used to be Manhattan. As the days grow darker, they search to find deliverance for their people, and become what has been prophesied—the Trinity of power. To accomplish this, they must first discover the third pillar of their powers.
Time is running out. Can they build the Trinity in time to save humanity from extinction?

What I liked: Areenna and Mikaal are like old friends who continue to grow and amaze as they pursue their destiny. Adding to their mystique is Neleh, the third part of the Trinity puzzle, another compelling character. The Dark Masters are a great counterpoint of evil throughout the series, and their invasion of Nevaeh makes for an excellent backdrop for the story. I liked the revelation of what lies below Manhattan, and what (or who) the Eight are. The book links all the elements of action, intrigue, battles, and mystery together and brings the series to a satisfying conclusion.

What I didn’t like: I would have liked more on Neleh, and the People. As important as the character was to the book, I know more about some of the minor characters than her. Similarly, I would have liked to know how The Eight fared after the final battle.

Overall impression: As with the first two books, I enjoyed this one! The familiar characters, a few surprises, good battles, intrigue, and the great conclusion made this as good as the others!

My rating: 5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Want to know more about Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh or the other books in the Tales of Nevaeh series? Visit David Wind’s  website or his Amazon Author page!

If you read any of the books, please consider leaving a review. I know David Wind would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Do you want to comment on this review or contact me? I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Google+, and Tumblr, or email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. As always shares and comments are appreciated!