Wednesday, October 31, 2012

HALLOWEEN REVIEW: “CLICK CLACK THE RATTLEBAG" by Neil Gaiman


CLICK CLACK THE RATTLEBAG
Written and performed by 
NEIL GAIMAN (Audible.com)

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow


OVERVIEW

"'What kind of story would you like me to tell you?' 'Well,' he said, thoughtfully, 'I don't think it should be too scary, because then when I go up to bed, I will just be thinking about monsters the whole time. But if it isn't just a little bit scary, then I won't be interested. And you make up scary stories, don't you?'"

So begins this subtle, witty, deceptive little tale from master storyteller Neil Gaiman. Lock the doors, turn off the lights, and enjoy!

REVIEW

This is my first audio book review. It’s a short story written by Neil Gaiman and also narrated by him - and what a splendid performance it was! The story is perfect for young and old alike, and the narration was very well done and added dimension to the characters. I also enjoyed the sound effects near the end, and although I could see the twist coming a mile away, it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of this little treasure. Twelve minutes of goose bumps, and chills running down your spine; this is a must-read for any horror fan! Well done!!





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“Click Clack the Rattlebag” by Neil Gaiman has 65 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

REVIEW: "THE SLEEPING" (The Lilean Chronicles, Book 2) - by Merita King


THE SLEEPING
(The Lilean Chronicles, 
Book 2)
by Merita King

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz



OVERVIEW

Just as Vincent and Farra begin to relax after their battle with the Transmortal Army, a new terror befalls Lilea. As they look forward to their pledging ceremony the first signs that something is wrong become apparent. They cannot understand why their spirit guides have left them and it isn't until the Lilean people begin to succumb to a mysterious affliction that they realise a new evil has found them. Plunged into a terrible nightmare, Vincent battles to find reality amongst the make believe as he struggles to come to terms with loss and betrayal. 

Many days away across the gulf of space their Drycenian friends suddenly find themselves hosts to some uninvited guests who beg them for their help. Whilst racing to Lilea they must find a way to communicate with their new guests in order that they know how to aid their friends. It is up to one man to venture into the darkness alone and put his own soul at risk to save Vincent, so that they can try to end this new evil and save Lilea from the terror of The Sleeping.

REVIEW

Evil has a nasty habit of resurfacing and in “The Sleeping” this quickly becomes apparent to Vincent, Farra and their old friends, The Drycenians.  Not even a year had passed since the Lileans started to repatriate to their own planet, and the spirit guides are disappearing; people are falling into a very deep sleep and soon all power sources on Lilea cut out.  With the Lileans in mortal peril and those who can't be used by the transmortal spirits having their heads messed with, it is up to the Drycenians to hasten to the rescue. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and could hardly put it down.  Thrilling action and nail-biting suspense are beautifully balanced by some tender, romantic scenes and frequent humorous moments.  A touch of spirituality brings depth to the story and I was truly moved by the caring and love the characters show towards one another. 

For those who love the technical details of a high-tech space environment, there is plenty to grip your imagination in this novel.  The author cleverly inserts world building and information concerning the history of the various races into the book without compromising the flow of the story.  The wonderfully crafted characters, already dear to me from the first book in this series, “Redemption”, now feel like old friends and I hope we'll get to read more about them in future books. 

I would advise readers to read the first book in the series before reading “The Sleeping”.  I happily give this marvelously written book five stars and hope that more of the same will soon come our way.





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“The Sleeping” by Merita King has 1 review on Goodreads. Read it here.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

REVIEW: "GATEKEEPER" (Hayle Coven Series, Book 6) - by Patti Larsen


GATEKEEPER
(Hayle Coven Series, Book 6)
by Patti Larsen

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz



OVERVIEW

Syd had been hoping grade twelve would go smoothly. But it’s not even the first day of class and she’s dreaming about some Sidhe gate and an approaching threat. Before she can enlist her mother’s help, her grandmother Ethpeal disappears, presumably gone after the Dumonts. Miriam pursues her mother, leaving Syd in charge of the coven. All fine and good, except no one trusts or believes in her. Add to that her new friend, Liam, seems somehow tied to the dreams she’s having, threats from Celeste and the fact Meira is suddenly acting like a little brat and Syd has her hands full. Maybe too full. 

Someone is knocking at the Gate and she has no way of answering.

REVIEW

In "Gatekeeper", the sixth novel in the Hayle Coven series, Patti Larsen has yet another absolutely unique story to tell.

After a peaceful bit of summer holiday, Syd starts her senior year with even more troubles and responsibilities than she ever had before.  Her mom leaves her in charge of the coven while she goes off to find her vanished grandmother. Syd's little sister, Meira, has turned into a brat, and she is having frightening dreams about a full moon and a gate.  At school the nasty new vice principal seems to be targeting her for punishments, Her best friend Alison has a personal crisis, and what is the connection between her dreams and the hot new guy, Liam O'Dane?    

I enjoyed this suspense-laden and yet heart warming book as much as - if not more - the previous five Hayle Coven novels.  The wonderfully realistic characters feel like old friends to me while new additions to the character cast brings a freshness to every new book. The main character, Syd, never fails to make me smile even while she is in the most dire of disastrous situations.  Her dialogue is excellent but it is in Syd's inner dialogue and highly amusing thoughts that the author works her true magic.  From mental self-admonishment and speculations, to her inner conversations with her demon and Shaylee, the sidhe princess, you will find yourself howling with laughter.  The close bond Syd has with her family, friends and her very special talking pets, brings a lovely tenderness to the story.   

As is usual with this author's books, I could not put "Gatekeeper" down.  Again I have to advise readers to get hold of the first five books in this series before reading "Gatekeeper".  A huge cheer and 5 stars for another wonderful book! 

 


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“Gatekeeper” by Patti Larsen has 5 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: "BEYOND" (Crossroads Saga, Book 3) - by Mary Ting


BEYOND
(Crossroads Saga, Book 3)
by Mary Ting

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow




OVERVIEW

Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

REVIEW

This being the third book in the Crossroads saga by Mary Ting, “Beyond” leaves no room for disappointment. As in the previous books, the characters come to life in this installment of yet another part of the journey Claudia has to undertake to fulfill the destiny she was meant for – but not without peril. Relationships and friendships are plunged into turmoil, and loyalties are put to the test whilst the reader is thrust into a world where beings good and evil collide, and the life-altering choices aren’t easy ones to make.

An imaginative plot filled with gut-wrenching twists and surprises, and packed with action; the no-holds-barred detailed writing allows the reader’s imagination free reign with vividly described settings and poignant dialogue. Emotionally riveting, the reader is also drawn into the centre of this intricately woven love triangle and before you know it, you find yourself deeply invested in the lives of these characters – old and new. Naturally, it also has its fair share of laughs.

“Beyond” is an extraordinary story with unforgettable characters, passionately written by an author who clearly understands the true identity of love.  Compelling and exciting; this is a must-read for all hardcore fans of the paranormal romance genre.




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“Beyond” by Mary Ting has 21 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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!!! FREE on SmashWords !!!


Download “Crossroads” (Crossroads Saga, Book 1) by Mary Ting FREE from SmashWords here. 



***GIVEAWAY***

Enter the below Twilight Saga and Bella Bracelets Giveaway to stand a chance to win one of these four amazing prizes from Mary Ting! Open internationally.

PRIZES:

First prize winner  -  1 x Twilight bracelet


Second prize winner  -  1 x Bella bracelet


Third prize winner  -  1 x Signed print copy of “Beyond”


Fourth prize winner  -  1 x audio book of “Between”



a Rafflecopter giveaway




Monday, October 22, 2012

REVIEW: "UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE: TALES OF THE LIVING DEAD" (Bits of Flesh Series) - by Donna Burgess


UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE: TALES OF THE LIVING DEAD
(Bits of Flesh Series)
by Donna Burgess

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

"Under a Blanket of Blue," is a Romero-inspired tale of zombies, love and survival, with a dash of sex, more than a pinch of gore, and a glaring of hungry cats on the prowl.

REVIEW

One thing I can safely say about this author is that she doesn’t shy away from gore and shock techniques to get the reader to sit up and take note. She goes where few other horror authors fear to tread, and hones right in for the kill.

This is a novella for fans of zombie books looking for a quick fix. The fast-paced plot is a hair-raising one, filled with gruesome scenes, terror, and of course, the living dead. I especially enjoyed the scene with the cats and if you don’t like cats…well…that part of the story will freak you out good. Even cat-lovers will have chills running down their spine after reading the scene with the cats in the dead of night.

Although I found this shocking, but exhilarating novella to be a four-star read, the editing was atrocious and therefore brings my rating down to three stars. I enjoyed the edge-of-your-seat suspense the author maintained throughout the story, but it needs revision and as such I recommend this book as a free download only. 




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Friday, October 19, 2012

REVIEW: "ACCOUNTABLE TO NONE" (Eviscerating the Snake, Book 1) - by Ashley Fontainne


ACCOUNTABLE TO NONE
(Eviscerating the Snake, Book 1)
by Ashley Fontainne

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow



OVERVIEW

What if the unspeakable happened to you? Would you fantasize about seeking personal vengeance? How far would you go...and how much would you sacrifice to hold those responsible that believe they are accountable to none?

Welcome to the prestigious accounting firm of Winscott & Associates. Welcome to Audra Tanner's personal hell. She had heard the rumors about her employer. The whispered secrets. But she had thrown herself into work to escape the pain of her miscarriage and demise of her marriage. Idealistic, she thought if she worked hard she would be rewarded. She thought wrong.

Savagely initiated into the brutal underbelly of the firm, Audra learns too late that the rumors are true. Now after five years of careful plotting, Audra is ready to push the wheels of justice in motion. Her goal of retribution has turned into an obsession and she will stop at nothing until everyone responsible pays. Will revenge set her free or is Audra's quest for personal justice only beginning?

REVIEW

This book turned out to be everything I was hoping it would be! I had no idea boardroom brawls could get so intense and…bloody.

I was drawn into the story from the word go, and instantly felt sympathy for the main character. What she had to endure is every woman’s worst nightmare. Some choose to remain victims after such an ordeal, but others – like Audra – choose to take matters into their own hands and fight back.

I am a big fan of strong female characters, so of course I took an instant liking to Audra. New role players are continuously introduced throughout the first half of the book, all the while building up the tension at lightning speed to an explosive conclusion. Impelled by the author’s superb writing and a well-executed plot, I was able to effortlessly slip into each character’s shoes, and by the time the big finale rolled around, I knew every character inside out - dirty little secrets and all.

“Accountable to None” is a splendidly-written story with realistic characters, each with closets full of skeletons. Taking the reader to the darker side of the human mind, it is a book you just can’t put down until you’ve devoured every single chapter while reality falls away around you as you come face to face with the personification of “twisted’ and “cruel”. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading more of this author’s outstanding work!

 


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“Accountable to None” by Ashley Fontainne has 47 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

REVIEW: "ZIGGY TWO STEP - COURIER EXTRAORDINAIRE" - by Mark Goodwin


“ZIGGY TWO STEP – COURIER EXTRAORDINAIRE”
by Mark Goodwin

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow


OVERVIEW

Who would ever have imagined that being a bicycle courier could be so exciting, dangerous and demanding? Ziggy Two Step is oblivious to most of what is happening around him even though he is often the cause of it. Follow Ziggy Two Step, courier extraordinaire, as he delivers urgent packages throughout Riverton.

REVIEW

The blurb didn’t really grab my attention, so I begrudgingly started reading this novella, expecting something mediocre and dull. Well, I was only somewhat disappointed.  The story started out well enough and the first half was fun to read, but the rest of the story felt like crashing down from an adrenaline high. The last half of the story lost its momentum and left me with the impression that the author was either losing interest, or was unsure which direction to go with the conclusion. Thus the ending is especially disappointing.  

Ziggy Two Step is an interesting and fairly likeable character, but rather one-dimensional. The trouble he obliviously gets into is quite hilarious. The basis of this short story is unique, and had it been a full-length novel, it easily would’ve had a bigger impact. But the author tried too hard to squeeze a multi-layered plot into a few pages, which resulted in underdeveloped characters, and a plot with so much potential, simply falling flat.

Overall, “Ziggy Two Step – Courier Extraordinaire” is a rather enjoyable read with lots of laugh-out-loud moments, and since it’s free for download, worth the thirty minutes it takes to read. It is, however, in serious need of more editing.




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“Ziggy Two Step – Courier Extraordinaire” by Mark Goodwin has 6 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

REVIEW: "THE DOLL" - by J.C. Martin


THE DOLL
by J.C. Martin

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow



OVERVIEW

The Island of the Dolls is a strange and eerie tourist destination in Mexico, where hundreds of decomposing dolls hang from trees like grisly Christmas ornaments. On a trip to the island, Joyce Parker's daughter falls in love with a beautiful but sinister doll. Soon after, she starts developing strange mannerisms that concerns Joyce. Her research into the doll's past reveals a dark history, and the curse of a lonely child spirit.

REVIEW

Being a huge fan of horror books and horror movies, the cover and title of this novella had me breaking out in goose bumps even before I started reading it. From the very first page to the chilling finale, “The Doll” was an excellent read. The author consistently maintains a sinister feeling of foreboding throughout the story, and in the span of a few pages, manages to tell a frightening tale filled with interesting little details and solid characters. I found the plot slightly predictable at times, but the conclusion of the story more than made up for it with its disturbing and unanticipated ending. A worthwhile read for sure!




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“The Doll” by J.C. Martin has 32 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

REVIEW: "THE MAN PAINTER" (The Painter Series, Book 2) - by Melissa Turner Lee


THE MAN PAINTER
(Painter Series, Book 2)
by Melissa Turner Lee

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz



OVERVIEW

Secrets can kill a relationship. But the secrets Holly and Theo keep from each other in the start of their relationship could mean the death of either of them. Fritz holds all the cards, and raises the stakes in this deadly, more adult conclusion of The Painter Series

REVIEW

Comfortably paced and a book easy to relax with, “The Man Painter” picks up the story of Holly and Theo two years after the conclusion of “The Earth Painter”.  Holly is driving to a much dreaded Thanksgiving dinner with her parents when she realizes that the radio interview is about an auction of what had to be Theo's paintings.  By changing her mind and driving to Charleston to go and look for Theo, she changes her entire destiny. 

It appears that Theo has omitted to tell Holly an interesting, but crucial, little detail about himself.  With his Hai-Ree and the science, Bio, fussing over him like a couple of broody hens; frequent illness and the ever malevolent interference of Fritz, the water painter, Theo and Holly find it difficult to get their romantic relationship going.  What will Holly sacrifice to obtain the solution to Theo's problems and give him the long, healthy life he deserves?

Although “The Man Painter” is a lovely, sensitive romance, it still deals with some unpleasant issues like Holly's extremely and utterly unloving mother who picks a very inconvenient time to reveal her aversion to Holly and her father.  When a friend whom she tried to help two years ago joins forces with the evil Fritz, and another more recent friend betrays her, the story takes a very realistic, but decidedly grim, turn.

Humorous moments are added when immortal science get involved in mundane activities such as wedding arrangements, and physical education, as well as teleporting the humans to places where they think said humans should be.

To make this book the excellent reading experience which it definitely is, I would recommend that readers get hold of the prequel, “The Earth Painter”, before reading “The Man Painter”. 




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“The Man Painter” by Melissa Turner Lee has 5 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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Monday, October 15, 2012

REVIEW: "SICK" (Project EDEN, Book 1) - by Brett Battles


SICK
(Project EDEN, Book 1)
by Brett Battles

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow


OVERVIEW

Daniel Ash wakes after midnight to the cry of his daughter. Just a bad dream, he thinks. She's had them before. Yet he can't help but worry when she cries out again as he pads down the hallway. Stepping through her doorway, he expects to find her sitting up in bed, frightened by a nightmare.

But the nightmare is his. It's real. And it's just beginning...

Something is burning Ash's daughter alive. Something horrible that is spreading beyond the walls of their home, and taking no prisoners.

Thirty seconds later, Ash will discover his daughter isn't the only one in his family infected, and as his world spins, coming apart at the seams, a team of armed men in biohazard suits bursts into his house.

But these aren't the good guys.

They haven't come to save Ash's family. They've come to separate them, to finish what they started.

The problem is Ash refuses to disappear. He wants only one thing: to find those responsible.

Because humanity is on the brink of execution.

And man is pulling the trigger.

REVIEW

One of the positive points of this book for me is the fact that there is zero romance in it. No-one falling in or out of love, no love triangles, and no whining damsel in distress. That doesn’t mean that this isn’t a great read. I’m saying that this book was a terrific read without the author reverting to the customary romance angle to give the story a backbone. I loved that the author created a tale starting as a parent’s worst nightmare and built it up from there to an explosive ending, instead of weighing a lackluster plot down with touchy-feely clichés and passing it off as a thriller, as some authors do.

What I didn’t enjoy about this book however, hence the four-star rating, is the main character. For some reason I just couldn’t connect with him. I also felt that too little attention was given to the children’s story line, but the author did an outstanding job with the secondary characters and their story lines. In many ways I enjoyed the secondary characters’ stories more than the main plot. I sometimes felt like skimming through the chapters about Ash, and just focusing my attention on the more fluffed out characters. But I didn’t want to miss out on any necessary details – and there are many in this story - so I stuck it out till the end, and am happy I did because I would’ve missed out on lots of important information essential to the development of the plot.

Overall I enjoyed and appreciated the author’s creativity, the interesting concept, and the adrenaline-pumping action. The idea of a secret organization wanting to wipe out most of the world’s population by way of a deadly virus is a horrifying concept and a theme the author pulled off with ease. Although I didn’t like the main character very much, I did enjoy the story even if it dragged along at times. I’m curious to see what happens to Ash and the other characters in the next two books in this series.

Brett Battles undeniably has a unique talent when it comes to constructing a novel of bone-chilling suspense and keeping the reader speculating while racing along to an electrifying conclusion. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of his books!

 


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“Sick” by Brett Battles has 57 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here.

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