Hometaker by Dean Wilson

YES! Another home run by the talented Dean Wilson. Yes, I may have gotten a free copy of this book in exchange for a review, but I am nothing if not honest, so if I was unhappy with this book, everyone would know. There isn't too much to disappoint me about the final book in the Great Iron War series, although there were a few moments where I wasn't sure how this review would end up sounding. Thankfully, my favorite characters survived, I can comfortably give Hometaker 4 out of 5 stars, and I can rest comfortably knowing that Dean Wilson now gets to move on to other novels and stories that are sure to please.

From the publisher:
The Resistance races against time to complete the missile-launcher known as the Hometaker, capable of opening a gateway to the land the Regime came from, and exposing the Iron Emperor for all the evils he has done.
Everything rests on the secrecy of the mission, but from day one tongues are wagging. The atmosphere is like dynamite. An overheard word could light the fuse. With no time left on the clock, General Rommond is forced to make an audacious plan: finish the construction of the Hometaker on the move, driving straight towards the enemy, who have assembled in unimaginable force.
The Great Iron War is coming to an end. It's all or nothing—their world or ours.

My thoughts:
Wow. Dean Wilson has a way of keeping his audience on its toes, never really knowing what's going to happen next, or just who will survive the next tragedy. Hometaker does not disappoint in this regard. This is a fast paced, swiftly changing story in which one never really knows what might happen. It has been amazing to watch Rommond grow as a character (obviously, my favorite character), from the first book in the series Hopebreaker, in which in retrospect he seemed flat and uninteresting. Wilson truly knows how to write his characters, while still keeping the story moving and the plot thickening. And my, does it thicken! Twists, turns, betrayals, and the final confrontation between the Resistance and the Iron Emperor, kept me reading this book late into the nights until I remembered that I'm an adult and need to get my sleep for work. I haven't decided yet if I'm pleased to have finished this series and seen a satisfying conclusion, or if I'm going to write the author asking for more stories about Rommond, Jacob, Whistler, and the rest of the Resistance fighters. There's already a standalone novel about Nox titled Coilhunter (which I'll be reviewing as well), but the world of Altadas seems full of additional stories and lives to be shared with Wilson's readers. I'm pretty stoked about this series, if you haven't been able to figure that out yet, and look forward to reading and reviewing more of Dean Wilson's stories in the future. Go check out the first book in this series (and read my review of it here), and let me (and Wilson) know what you think!

Landquaker by Dean Wilson

Please note, I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favorite parts about reading a well-written book series is being able to pick up right where I left off, without having to re-read other books to try to figure out what is going on. I read the last of the Great Iron War series books, Skyshaker, back in the winter, and got to jump right back into the world of Altadas with Landquaker without a preamble or refresher course. Wilson's books are fairly fast paced and keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what's going to happen next (because when you go up against the Iron Emperor, there's bound to be a few obstacles and enemies). Landquaker earns itself 4 out of 5 stars and fills me with anticipation for the next in the series.

From the Publisher:
The Resistance has barely nursed its wounds from the recapture of Blackout, and it is now looking to another, tougher target: the massive steam-powered railway gun known as the Landquaker. They call the vast railroad the Iron Wall, and that mounted barrel is its only sentry. It does not need another.

Blackout was a sitting duck, but the Landquaker is a moving target, and not only one that shoots back, but one that shoots first. The Resistance turns to old allies and new friends, from the land-loving tribes to the land-roving biker gangs. It will need every soldier it can muster.

The Landquaker was designed with a singular purpose: a monstrous gun to hold back a multitude of monsters. Except this time the multitude mans that weapon, and in its hands the land is not the only thing that will quake.

My Thoughts:

What a world, what a world! There is just always trouble for our band of rebels, but you can't help but know that they are going to find a way to pull through. One of my favorite parts of Wilson's writing is the relationship he builds between the reader and his characters. They are not only fighting in a war, but they are fighting their own battles as well. Taberah dealing with motherly duties, Brooklyn and Rommond trying to repair what the Regime has taken from them, Jacob just chugging along, finding his niche among the Resistance fighters. I'll admit, I didn't really like some of the characters when I first started Hopebreaker oh so long ago. After getting to know them more, I can't help but feel for them, and want nothing for the best for all of them (especially Whistler, he's just so young and innocent and naïve in some ways). I actually get anxious when somebody is in mortal danger, which happens a lot in these novels.

I really enjoyed the feel of Landquaker. The plot had a very traditional feel; fighting to take back something that was stolen and used for evil. Dean Wilson makes this plot his own, both modernizing and traditionalizing it in a way that only a talented author and a steampunk novel can do. Throwing in the tribes and a more spiritual subplot was an interesting tactic, and I'm still kind of working out if this worked for me, but overall I truly enjoyed getting to read another story, and getting to meet another instrument of war in the Great Iron War. Can't wait to see what Worldwaker has in store!

- Justin :)

About the Author: Heidi Angell

Guys, I am SO excited to share with you my first ever author interview! Heidi Angell is an author I've known for some time now, I've reviewed just about all her work, and am always so excited and so entertained about her stories. Her most recent, Hell School: Fresh Meat is a partly auto-biographical story about a high school student burdened not only with being a freshman in a new school and new town, but also with having the unwanted attentions of a suitor who just won't take 'no' for an answer. I had the chance to interview Heidi, and talk a little bit about what it was like for her to write a story that hit so close to home with here. Here it goes!

How are you? Any good reads lately?

I am great! So excited to be here! I am always reading something, and most of the time it is good! I recently read a really edgy book called One Night Stan's by Greg Sisco. I was kind of surprised that I would like it as it is about a strip club and some really seedy and misogynistic stuff, but I found myself absolutely loving it. The writer has a great dark sense of humor! 

I read off your Goodreads profile that you rarely find yourself getting writer's block, but that you get 'writer's derailment' in which you come up with ideas for new stories while you're in the middle of writing one already. I was wondering, where do you feel you get the inspiration and the ideas for your stories?

It is always different. Sometimes they are influenced by real-world events, sometimes I dream them, sometimes they develop from conversations with my kids! That is part of why new stories will interrupt current stories. I have found that simply getting the idea down into my idea folder will usually give me some piece to finish up one project before going to that one. 

What kinds of thoughts and feelings came up while you were writing Hell School: Fresh Meat, given that you've mentioned you used your own experiences in high school as the premise for the story?

My stalking experience left me with PTSD (didn't know it at the time.) and going back to try and write about the experience re-awakened a lot of that trauma. My kids couldn't figure out why the door was locked when they got home from school. I would wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night because someone had gotten up to get a drink of water. I had to change my walking routine because I was having really bad anxiety walking by myself. And that was just from the first book, which many had noted "wasn't that scary". Stalkers don't usually start out scary... but by the time it reaches that level it is too late. The next books will grow in intensity for sure! 

What advice would you give to a high school student (or anybody, really) who finds themselves dealing with unwanted or potentially threatening advances from another person?

A couple of things. First, make sure that the person is clear that you are not interested in any way, shape or form. Second, make sure you tell family and friends what is happening. If you go missing, they need to know who the number one suspect should be! Third, get the police involved as soon as possible, and keep going to them even if they "can't do anything" the first dozen times. If you tell your stalker that you do not want him/ her calling you and they continue calling, report it to the police. If your stalker is following you and you tell them to stop following you, the next time you see them following you, call the police. 4th. Take a self-defense class. not Karate, a class that is specifically geared around self-defense. These classes will focus not only on defense moves, they will provide information on ways to protect yourself. They also provide an amazing support group of people who are going through or have been through what you are experiencing. 

What drew you to becoming a writer? 

 I love stories, and how they shape the way we view the world. I wanted to tell stories that would shape how others see the world. Here I am. 

Are there any other passions or interests that we should know about you? 

I have so many! But, I'll give you a special insight into a new passion of mine! I got a Kitchen Aid for Christmas (my husband is bound and determined to find a way to get me to like cooking as much as he does!) and I LOVE my Kitchen Aid. I might, might even be learning to love to cook! For 12 years my husband has been trying to get there, and he may finally have achieved his goal. I am making homemade bread as soon as we get done with this interview ;)

Can you tell us anything about upcoming books? I'm particularly interested in the Hunters and Clear Angel books.. ;) 

Ha, me too! I am so excited. The second book in The Hunters series will be out this summer (I know, finally, right?) It is going to be pretty awesome and will follow Screvin, Havoc, and Fury as they track down the werewolf who turned Screvin. Then they will discover that they are now the hunted. I know, cruel teaser, huh?! 

The third book in the Clear Angel Chronicles should come out the end of the year, or possibly early next year. I have a busy year coming up! 

I, for one, can't wait for the next installments in these series, and also for Heidi to add a cooking section to her own blog, particularly the baked goods section, now that she has a Kitchen Aid ;) Thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of this Heidi, I can't wait to see more of what's to come!

Hell School: Fresh Meat is now available! Go check it out on Amazon, Smashwords, and other major e-book retailers. Here's my review if you want to find out what it's all about before grabbing your copy!

Justin :)

Hell School: Fresh Meat by Heidi Angell

Welcome to the next stop in Heidi Angell's Hell School book tour! I'm so thrilled to be able to be a part of this, I have enjoyed reading all of Ms. Angell's books and jumped at the opportunity to review an ARC of her upcoming story of a high school freshman in a new school. Best of all, I know that her books are always worth reading, they're consistently packed with interesting, relatable characters and entertaining plots. Hell School: Fresh Meat did not let me down, and earned its 4 out of 5 stars for tackling such tough subjects as moving, high school, and having a stalker, while keeping a light, entertaining air throughout the story.


From the Publisher:
High school is hard, especially when you're a freshman in a new town, surrounded by people you don't understand and who don't understand you. Sam was overwhelmed just trying to fit in. Then she is singled out with the first letter.


While some girls envy the “romantics” of this unknown admirer, Sam can tell something isn't right. Sam wanted to just blend in, but someone's eye is fixated on her. As the letters and bad poetry continue, so does the nagging in Sam's stomach telling her this is not normal.


When things escalate from strange to creepy, Sam's world becomes a nightmare. Twisted admiration is stalking her around every corner in the high school from hell….

My Thoughts:

I am so impressed and full of admiration and respect for Ms. Angell, who has stated that this story was based on true events. I couldn't even begin to imagine having to put up with the unwanted attentions of an unknown suitor, but could appreciate that it would have stopped anyone from really having the high school experience that they were looking for. Kudos for being able to explore such a traumatic experience, and put it out there for others to read and learn from!

I was both intrigued and a little confused at how the story flowed from page to page. It was at times difficult to keep track of how much time had lapsed, or what was even going on, which I'm going to say went along with the fact that this story takes place from a high school student's perspective ;) I know that my mind was pretty easily side tracked by seemingly important details, so it was interesting reading this kind of a story. Heidi does a great job tying Sam's experiences with her stalker into the story, such that rather than making it the sole point of the story, it becomes an underlying theme in Sam's life, lurking near the surface of her consciousness, but only poking its head out when prompted by yet another letter with bad poetry taped to Sam's locker. Poor Sam is just trying to get through her freshman year of high school, having moved across the country and just trying to learn the lay of the land, but she gets to deal with fear and stress because somebody just can't take no for an answer.

Like I said before, Ms. Angell always manages to make her characters realistic and relatable, even in her other stories which stray from 'real' fiction and delve more into imaginative fantasy and adventure. I felt like I could identify with Wes and Clint, particularly since high school guys are stereotyped into only being interested in one thing, and are often thought of as incapable of having a platonic friendship with a girl. While Clint (and to an extent Wes) both appear to be attracted to Sam, I thought it was great character development that this did not define them as characters, nor did it define their interactions with Sam or with the other girls in this story. It played a part, of course, but it was not their main trait in the story.

There you have it, my newest review and part in Heidi Angell's Hell School: Fresh Meat tour. This book is set to be released on March 14th, so check it out on Amazon and Smashwords when it's out!

- Justin :)

Coming soon...

It's been a little disheartening that life has pulled me away from this little side project of mine, and it is my sincerest hope that I can put more back into this blog. I'm determined to have at least 1 post per month, which shouldn't be difficult considered I've really jumped back into reading recently (audio books go a long way when you drive at least an hour a day). What I am planning on doing is a full revamp of my blog, but I could use some support and advice in doing so. Anyone who has experience with this is more than welcome to post in the comments with some suggestions for making my blog more user friendly, and a more exciting little corner in cyberspace. :)

Lifemaker and Skyshaker by Dean Wilson

This post is so long overdue I can't even believe it, but I guess better late than never? Dean Wilson, you are a man of infinite patience. I received these books for free in exchange for an honest review, and I am pleased to deliver on that with my 4 and 5 star reviews of Lifemaker and Skyshaker, respectfully.

My favorite part about the world of literature is that it's not just one world, it's an infinite number of worlds. Dean Wilson is a master at creating these worlds, and making the reader feel like he/she is in that world as they turn the pages. The Great Iron War series started off with a bang, and it's clear that Wilson is just going to keep the momentum going until it reaches its conclusion. Lifemaker and Skyshaker are volumes 2 and 3 in this series, and deliver on the first book's virtual guarantee that every chapter will be a shock. I never really know where Jacob will end up next, and the book titles only give away so much. I'm greatly enjoying learning about the conflicts between the Regime and the Resistance, and can't wait to find out just what happens next.

From the Publisher:
2. LIFEMAKER 

The Regime is on the hunt, forcing the Resistance to take refuge aboard the Lifemaker, an advanced submarine that houses a special cargo: a handful of women who can still give birth to human children. 

To evade the Regime's own submersibles, all parties must work together, but tensions are high, and not everyone on board is looking out for the greater good. 

As they descend into the deeps, they quickly learn that not all monsters work for the Regime. 

3. SKYSHAKER 

The Resistance takes to the clouds aboard the Skyshaker, the newly-completed airship aimed at dominating the heavens, when the land far below has become a hellish place ruled by demons. 

General Rommond fixes his attention on the city of Blackout, the old capital of the world, controlled by the Treasury, who are themselves controlled by the ruthless Regime. The skies above that city will no longer hide in smog; fire and fury will light up the sky. That centre of the old civilised world will either shift allegiance to the Resistance, or it will burn to the ground. 

Yet there are always others who will resist the attempted change of power. From sky pirates and mob bankers to the feared mechanical men of the Iron Guard, Jacob and his new family of freedom fighters will face greater challenges than they have ever faced before. As bombs drop from the sky like the iron tears of gods, there are other revelations that will shake the foundations of everyone struggling to save humanity. 

My thoughts:
When I first started the series, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Having read Wilson's other works, I knew that I was going to enjoy the book, and I am pleased to say I continue to be impressed with his ability to draw me in to a story and keep me guessing until the final page. Jacob, Taberah, Whistler, and the other characters in this series are diverse, layered, and complex creatures, and it is difficult to tell if there are any clear protagonists or antagonists. I initially disliked Rommond, and am forced to eat my words as I learn more and more about what motivates his actions. Now, he's one of my favorite characters, but with plotlines as complex as those in this series, it's hard to say whether that will be the case in the next book. I love learning more about the relationships Taberah has with everyone on board, as it seems that her relationships and interactions with others are as varied as always. 

I still have a lot of questions that I'm sure will be answered in the next book, and am eager to learn more about the Regime and the Resistance before Jacob became involved in the conflicts. The world Wilson has created is full of intrigue, and I find myself as interested in the Regime as I do in the Resistance. What I like about this series is that although it is clearly a steampunk series, with elements of steampowered machinery in a dystopian era, there is also a sci-fi/fantasy element, in that humans are no longer born, and demons run rampant in the Regime. I am so eager to learn more about this, as I've never seen or read a book/series quite as unique as this.

In short, Lifemaker and Skyshaker are two more fantastic additions to the works of Dean Wilson. I am so excited to read the next installment of the Great Iron War series, Landquaker, due out in April of this year (or so Amazon leads me to believe). Looking forward to more of the same amazing character development and plot that Wilson has spoiled his readers with throughout the series so far :)

- Justin

Book Tour!! The Foreverland series by Tony Bertauski

I am so excited to be a part of this book tour, promoting Tony Bertauski's Foreverland series. This is a fantastic series that triggers a lot of thought into what reality truly is, and how to determine what is real and what is simply a dream. I had a great time reading these books, even though it took some brainpower to figure out just what was happening, and am proud to give these 3 books 5 out of 5 stars and a nice, shiny review.

The Complete Foreverland Saga.

THE ANNIHILATION OF FOREVERLAND
When kids awake on an island, they’re told there was an accident. Before they can go home, they
will visit Foreverland, an alternate reality that will heal their minds.
Reed dreams of a girl that tells him to resist Foreverland. He doesn’t remember her name, but
knows he once loved her. He’ll have to endure great suffering and trust his dream. And trust he’s
not insane.
Danny Boy, the new arrival, meets Reed’s dream girl inside Foreverland. She’s stuck in the
fantasy land that no kid can resist. Where every heart’s desire is satisfied. Why should anyone
care how Foreverland works?

FOREVERLAND IS DEAD
Six teenage girls wake with no memories. One of them is in a brick mansion, her blonde hair as
shiny as her shoes. The others are in a cabin, their names tagged to the inside of their pants. Their
heads, shaved. Slashes mark the cabin wall like someone has been counting.
Hundreds of them.
There’s wilderness all around and one dead adult. The girls discover her body rotting somewhere
in the trees. As the weeks pass, they band together to survive the cold, wondering where they are
and how they got there. And why.
When an old man arrives with a teenage boy, the girls learn of a faraway island called
Foreverland where dreams come true and anything is possible. But Foreverland is dead. In order
to escape the wilderness, they’ll have to understand where they are.
More importantly, who they are.

ASHES OF FOREVERLAND
Tyler Ballard was in prison when his son created a dreamworld called Foreverland, a place so
boundless and spellbinding that no one ever wanted to leave. Or did. Now his son is dead, his
wife is comatose and Tyler is still imprisoned.
But he planned it that way.
The final piece of his vision falls into place when Alessandra Diosa investigates the crimes of
Foreverland. Tyler will use her to create a new dimension of reality beyond anything his son ever
imagined—a Foreverland for the entire world.
Danny, living outside of Spain since escaping the very first Foreverland, begins receiving
mysterious clues that lead him to Cyn. They are both Foreverland survivors, but they have more
in common than survival. They become pieces of another grand plan, one designed to stop Tyler
Ballard. No one knows who is sending the clues, but some suspect Reed, another Foreverland
survivor. Reed, however, is dead.
Everyone will make one last trip back to Foreverland to find out who sent them. And why.

My thoughts:
Like I said, I had a blast reading these books. Foreverland is a place that anyone would want to visit, free of rules in which one can get or do anything they want. Everyone dreams of a place like this, while sitting at their work desk or shuffling their kids off to various activities. What happens, though, when this desire is turned into a tool to manipulate and take advantage of the dreamers? I love how this series created an Inception-like world, where neither the characters nor the reader can distinguish between dream world and reality. The characters were both distant and relatable, similar to how I would envision people to be if they woke up without any memories in a facility they've been told is there to heal their minds. The suspicion, mystery, and confusion is clear from Danny Boy, Cyn, Reed, and all the other boys and girls of Foreverland, and this is used to keep the reader on his toes in a world where literally anything may be possible.

When I first started the second book, Foreverland is Dead, I wasn't sure where Bertauski was taking his story. It sounded very similar to the first book in the series, and I was concerned it would be a rehash with different characters. I don't think I could have been more wrong. I enjoyed how the boy and girl camps of Foreverland were intertwined and explained in the series, all the way through to the thrilling conclusion, once again nearly impossible to predict. I have already recommended this series to friends and colleagues who enjoy thrillers and reality-twisting plots, and will continue to recommend Bertauski's work whenever given the opportunity.

- Justin

Oh, and there's a giveaway!!! :D

Hopebreaker by Dean Wilson

I've only recently gotten into the Steampunk genre, but I've quickly fallen in love (I'm definitely blaming the fashion). Plus, it's no secret that I'm a fan of Dean Wilson's work, having a deep seated passion for mythology. When he messaged me about doing a review for his new steampunk series, I was understandably more than a little excited. The best part? I wasn't let down. Hopebreaker is a fantastic novel that truly opens up a new world, seamlessly intertwining steampunk into this tale of action and adventure, and certainly deserves 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In the world of Altadas, there are no more human births. The Regime is replacing the unborn with demons, while the Resistance is trying to destroy a drug called Hope that the demons need to survive.

Between these two warring factions lies Jacob, a man who profits from smuggling contraceptive amulets into the city of Blackout. He cares little about the Great Iron War, but a chance capture, and an even more accidental rescue, embroils him in a plot to starve the Regime from power.

When Hope is an enemy, Jacob finds it harder than he thought to remain indifferent. When the Resistance opts to field its experimental landship, the Hopebreaker, the world may find that one victory does not win a war.

My thoughts:
One thing that I'm still getting used to about novels that are part of a series is that a lot of information is left for the follow-up books to address. Hopebreaker drops the reader off right in the middle of the fighting between the Regime and the Resistance, and there is a lot of information given to the reader through conversations between characters, rather than simple exposition and plot. It can be confusing, but I believe that this makes for a very natural introduction into a new world, and makes for a more fast paced and entertaining novel. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series to have all my questions answered regarding the demons, Hope, and just what Jacob has gotten himself into by working with the Resistance.

It takes a talented hand to develop an incredible world, particularly a dystopian world, destroyed by war, and Altadas is proof that Dean Wilson wields this kind of talent. There are not many lengthy descriptions, yet I feel as though I've been to Altadas simply by how the characters describe it (not that I would necessarily want to visit at this point in its history, of course).

While I don't know much about them yet, there is something to be said for how Wilson writes his characters. I can't help but envision Whistler and Jacob causing trouble while Taberah shakes her head and admonishes them. I am drawn into these characters' lives, and can't wait to read the rest of the series to learn more about their pasts, as well as what the future holds for them.

Well, there you have it. Another review of a great book by Dean Wilson (who apparently enjoys writing trilogies). I wonder if there's something to that.. Perhaps I shall ask him a few questions and see what his responses are :)

- Justin

Daddy Was a Punk Rocker by Adam Sharp

I received a digital copy of this memoir from Sharp's publicity team, and am so pleased that they were able to send me a copy. I don't often read memoirs and biographies, preferring to read fiction and literature, and am very glad I picked up this book for a change of scenery. Adam Sharp wrote a phenomenal story, and I felt as though I was with him throughout the many trials and tribulations of his life. Daddy was a Punk Rocker earns 4 out of 5 stars for being so entertaining, inspiring, and well-written.

From the publisher:
Adam just wants a conventional father. But his father hates convention, he would rather rebel. Adam wants a father who will sit by his bed and softly sing him lullabies. But his father is too busy snarling on stage alongside Joy Division and other angry young men. Adam, a budding goalkeeper, wants a father who will shoot balls at him in the park. But his father prefers to shoot heroin in dark rooms. Adam wants a father who is predictable, who is a provider, who is present. His father can never be any of those things. Because Daddy is a punk rocker.

My thoughts:
It didn't take much for me to be pulled right into this story, feeling so strongly for Adam as he struggled to be accepted by his family, classmates, and the people he encounters throughout life. While I certainly did not have the same life experiences, I definitely understand trying to be accepted, and struggling with self-identity and self-confidence at such transitional moments in life. A refreshingly honest and insightful memoir, I was riveted by the story and couldn't stop cheering Adam on as I turned the (digital) pages of his memoir. All Adam wanted was a conventional father with whom to practice soccer, listen to music, and have a traditional father-son relationship. What he had, however, was a somewhat dysfunctional relationship with his punk rocker father who struggled with heroin use and whom Adam at times tried to be close with, or tried to get as far away from as possible. I found this book to be filled with melancholy and dark humor, but regardless of what Adam describes in his book, he does so without bitterness or resentment, a remarkable personality trait that truly lends itself to the readability and satisfaction I found with Daddy was a Punk Rocker. I was very pleased with this memoir, and look forward to seeing what else comes from the mind (and pen) of Adam Sharp.

The Chains of War by Dean Wilson

I'm going to start this review with a confession: I'm not often a fan of the final book in a trilogy. I don't really like endings, having to say goodbye to the characters I've grown attached to, and not being able to make up scenarios in my head for them. I also feel like conclusions are often rushed or subpar, and rarely do I enjoy them as much as the first few books in the series (The Hunger Games, for example). Going into the last leg of the Children of Telm series by Dean Wilson, I was understandably a little nervous. I'd become a fan of Ifferon and his companions (particularly Delin and Geldirana, they were my favorite characters), and didn't want to turn the last pages on their story. Wilson did a fantastic job wrapping up his series, and keeping me hooked throughout the entire book. The Chains of War is a great concluding book, and earns itself 4 out of 5 stars and a glowing review from me.

From the publisher:
The first of Agon’s chains has broken, and the others are straining. It is only a matter of time before he is free, before the world is engulfed in chaos and death.

There are few left to stop him. Most of the gods can only sit and watch in horror from their prison in the heavens, but the resurrection of the father god Corrias gives the people of Iraldas a sliver of hope, a fighting chance.

Yet the memory of Corrias' failure to defeat Agon in ages past plays heavily on all minds. Many know that it is only the might of the Warrior-god Telm that can defeat the Beast. That god is dead, but his power lives on in his bloodline, in Ifferon and others like him, and they are tasked with waging a final war against the Beast.

My thoughts:
This is a difficult review to write, because there are a lot of details and quotes that I would love to incorporate, and can't do that because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone. I can say that the battle between Agon and Corrias was quite remarkable to read, and I was reminded of Rick Riordan and the mythology placed into his books. Corrias and Agon can walk the earth, be looked upon by mortal eyes, and Agon is capable of being hit by mortal weapons and hands, even if they do not inflict that much damage. I am not a fan of gods being completely unapproachable by mortals, and I liked that Ifferon and company could truly help Corrias, rather than just being background noise.

This world that Wilson has created is immense, and he does a wonderful job describing every facet. I am especially grateful for the map that was included, it made Ifferon's journey much easier to see and understand. I also really liked Yavun's poetry in this book, I feel like because there were fewer poems, they added so much more to the story without being overwhelming. Dean Wilson is incredibly skilled in his writing, from drawing me into his world that he has created, to emotionally linking me with his incredible characters. I felt so deeply for each of the characters whenever something happened to them, and found myself dreading the final chapters of the trilogy, knowing that this would be it for Ifferon, Geldirana, and all the other characters fighting against Agon.

Books such as The Chains of War are few and far between, and truly demonstrate the passion that their authors have for writing. Dean Wilson is certainly a force to be reckoned with, and I look forward to reading his other works. If you haven't already, I highly recommend downloading The Call of Agon, and starting this tremendous series. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from The Chains of War :)

"It is not courage to not know fear, but rather it is courage to know fear and face it anyway."

- Justin

The Road to Rebirth by Dean Wilson

A fitting title for the rebirth of my blogging days! I have been overwhelmed the past few months, and am very excited to have finally had the opportunity to get back into reading. Apologies to all who missed my posts, and I am sincerely hoping that this marks the beginning of more regular, possibly biweekly, postings.

Dean Wilson is at it again, this time continuing the take of Ifferon in The Road to Rebirth, second in the Children of Telm series. I am seriously astounded that Wilson is able to create a whole world, complete with a whole new religious and mythological system, and put so much life and vigor into every aspect of his series. It took me a while to get back into the story because of the depth put into it, but once I was in I was hooked all over again. Wilson's new addition to the Children of Telm series earns itself 4 out of 5 stars from me.

From the publisher:
After the catastrophe of the Call of Agon, Ifferon and his companions find themselves in the unenviable situation of witnessing, and partaking in, the death of another god- this time Corrias, the ruler of the Overworld.

With Corrias locked inside the corpse of the boy Theos, he suffers a fate worse than the bonds of the beast Agon. Yet hope is kindled when the company find a way to restore the boy, and possibly the god, back to life.

The road to rebirth has many pitfalls, and there are some who consider such meddling with the afterlife a great risk. The prize might be life anew- but the price might also be a second death.

My thoughts:
As with any book, there are things I liked, and things I didn't like about The Road to Rebirth. One of the things I wasn't too fond of was how long it took me to get into the story. This isn't because of Wilson's writing or the plot itself, but rather the intense level of detail put into every part of the story. Many sci-fi and fantasy/adventure sagas have timelines, maps, lineages, or other aids to help readers remember important yet complex parts of the story, and I feel like something would have been useful to remember the different races, tribes, and gods Wilson created.

I also feel like the chapters featuring Melgales and Yavun were particularly difficult to keep track of, owing to their being in two separate places and handling different situations. I like how they were combined because of their connection with the Beldarian, although I'm not sure the ebook formatted the way Wilson had wanted because there were a few parts in these chapters that were unclear in the shifts from Yavun to Melgales and vice versa.

That being said, I have to applaud Wilson for creating a story as vivid and creative as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. He has developed a whole alternate world, complete with a complicated mythological/religious background, and that takes immense skill. I am a huge fan of mythology, particularly Greek and Roman tales, and Wilson's work only whets my appetite for more myths.

While I was overly fond of the amazing imagery and scene-setting in this book, I was also a bit overwhelmed by the number of poems and songs throughout the chapters. They were well placed and added to the culture of Wilson's world, but I think there were just a bit too many for me to truly enjoy as they took me away from the plot itself, and I had to reorient myself to what was occurring.

As I mentioned before, Wilson's style of writing hooks the reader, and creates an emotional bridge between reader and character. The characters in The Road to Rebirth are realistic in the moral and ethical choices they make in each chapter. Nobody is all good or all evil, and each person makes their choices and has to live with the repercussions, be they positive or negative. Elithea and Delin share drastically opposing opinions in what is right to do for Theos' soul, but because there is naught but gray area, either can be right or wrong. How can anyone tell who is truly good or evil in this story, without seeing how the conclusion plays out?

One of my favorite parts of any book I read is finding quotes that really speak to me, and Dean Wilson is outstanding at making his stories as inspirational as they are entertaining. I'll leave you with just a few of my favorites:

"If you draw breath, then this is living. The question is: do you do more than just draw breath?"

"The dark night feels very long now, even if there is the hope of dawn." "There is more than hope... It is not idealism to think that day will follow night. It is a matter of knowing, not hoping."

"Do you yearn for life, even when it is often cruel?" "Yes, because it is often cruel, not always, and when it is not cruel, it is kind beyond any measure, and those moments outweigh the darker ones that precede or follow. Even when night comes and smothers day, there are stars up there in the blackness."

"To try and fail is better than to fail to try. A flower always tries to bloom, even in the bleakest of winters. Often the flowers fail, but sometimes they succeed."

"Sometimes it is best to think less of where you came from, and more on where you are going."


Keep looking for new book reviews, I plan on going back into this headfirst!

- Justin :)

Angel's Dance by Heidi Angell

I can't say how excited I am that Heidi Angell asked me to be a part of her virtual book tour this month. It not only gave me the opportunity to read a great book, but it got me back into reading since my move to Massachusetts nearly 3 months ago (how the time flies!) Angel's Dance is the second book based around Grant Anderson and Clear Angel, picking up about 6 months after the events that took place in Elements of a Broken Mind. This combination of crime thriller and paranormal/psychic fiction is seamless, and I'm giving Angel's Dance 4 out of 5 stars and a strong recommendation for anyone interested in crime or psychology.

From the author:
Psychic Clear Angel hasn't seen or heard from her one-time lover Detective Grant since their first case wrapped up six months ago, and that is perfectly fine with her! But when he shows up on her porch in the rain and in tears, she cannot hold her ground. No matter how she feels about Grant and her 'gift', she can't ignore the visions already pouring in.

Grant knows that he is no good for Clear, and has respected the distance she has kept. But when his daughter goes missing and the Chicago police have no leads, he turns to Clear and her unique abilities.

This next adventure puts Grant and Clear in close quarters as they find themselves once again fighting their feelings for one another. Thrust into the dark underworld of performance art, they strive to track down a ballerina who keeps taunting Clear in her visions. As they delve deeper into one studio, the grisly visions that haunt Clear may be more than she can handle. Can Clear hold it together to help find Grant's daughter before it's too late?

My thoughts:
Heidi Angell's books read like an episode of Law & Order, or maybe Psych. She has clearly done her research into the world of forensic psychology and criminal profiling, and as a student of criminal psychology I am more than impressed... "women feel more comfortable expressing their feelings and displaying their emotions. They also typically have a stronger network to share their emotions. Men tend to bottle things up and do not feel comfortable sharing their feelings, especially negative feelings, with others." It's nice to read a book that is both informative and entertaining.

The one issue I had with Angel's Dance was that I often had trouble distinguishing Clear's visions from reality. It was rather confusing for me to know when something was actually happening, versus something that had happened before and she was simply reliving, such as her visions of Bella in the dance studio. Other than my confusion, I was very pleased with this book and Ms. Angell's writing in general.

There was a bit more romance in this book than the first one, owing to Grant and Clear's complicated and not quite so professional relationship, and I just couldn't stop reading to find out how things were going to turn out, both in their relationship and in their hunt for Grant's daughter and the person who kidnapped her. It's very difficult to put a book down when you empathize so strongly with the characters, and I read almost the entirety of Angel's Dance in just one sitting. I dare anybody reading this to read Elements of a Broken Mind and Angel's Dance without getting sucked in.

 Don't forget to enter Ms. Angell's giveaways on the right side of my blog for the chance to win a paperback copy of Angel's Dance as well as posters and pendants!! Her book tour will be continuing throughout the month leading up to the release of Angel's Dance on November 25th, giving you plenty of time to read the first book and immerse yourself in the world of Grant and Clear. And of course, here's a link to her blog, An Angell's Life. Enjoy!

- Justin :)

Announcement: Heidi Angell's Virtual Book Tour Now Underway!!

Tell me this doesn't look intriguing. Go ahead and try.

Hey guys, I wanted to spread the news about a talented author beginning a virtual book tour to celebrate the upcoming release of her new book! Heidi Angell's new book Angel's Dance will be released on November 25th, and she's launched a book tour to spread the word. This is the sequel to Elements of a Broken Mind, a phenomenal psychological thriller that piqued my interest thanks to its combination of forensic psychology and psychic elements. What kind of book can manage that but the best kinds? In any case, the schedule and all the information can be found on her blog, An Angell's Life, and here's a link to the launch post. I'm excited, of course, to be a part of the tour; my review of her new book will go live on November 11th for everyone to read.

To celebrate the book release, she's opened up a few rafflecopters for the opportunity to win some exciting prizes, including bookmarks, a poster, pendants, and two paperback copies of Angel's Dance. I've posted links to two of the raffles on my page (on the right hand side, right next to my blog posts), and again they're also available on Heidi's blog. I look forward to finishing the story, and posting my review of it here for everyone to see on November 11th.

- Justin

PS, I did want to link to my reviews of both Elements of a Broken Mind as well as another of Ms. Angell's books that I've read, enjoyed, and reviewed, The Hunters. So there they are. Enjoy!

Elements of Broken Mind by Heidi Angell

First things first, my apologies to Heidi Angell and everyone who reads this blog for my long absence. I just moved to a new state, on my own, to start a brand new job, so I've been pretty overwhelmed and busy and haven't had much time to do anything else besides get everything settled. In any case, I am very thankful to everyone for actually reading this blog, and to Ms. Angell for her patience in waiting for a review for her book (I told you it was coming though!) :) On to the book review! A fantastic tale from a wonderful author, Elements of a Broken Mind is a 5 out of 5 star book to me, for keeping me entertained and stumping the forensic psychologist in me.

From the publisher:
Grant Anderson is a small-town detective
whose job was quiet and easy, until three
girls end up dead. A serial killer is stalking the young ladies in his town. Without the high tech equipment of big cities at his fingers, Grant must rely on good old-fashioned police work; but with no discernible pattern
and no clues to follow, the case seems to be grinding to a halt.
Then Grant gets a visit from a mysterious young woman. Who is Clear Angel? What is her connection to the case? If Grant is to believer her, then he must accept that she has “seen” these things. But Grant is a professional. He cannot believe in psychics! Yet when another girl goes missing, and Grant’s search is yielding nothing he is desperate enough to try.

Clear Angel has always been special. Seclusion has kept the nightmares at bay. Then the nightmares begin again. Are they premonitions
of events to come? Are they the sick fantasies of a madman?
Then one evening she runs into a stranger
and finds out that not only are they real, but they are happening here in her home town. After a lifetime of running and hiding from what she can do, she is now forced to reach out to the most unlikely person in an effort to save innocent girls and perhaps the world.

My thoughts:
So, I was sent this book by the author for an honest review. I'm so pleased that she sent it to me, and don't really have anything negative to say about it. Elements of a Broken Mind is a phenomenal, fast paced read and I'm very eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. The writing is spot on, the characters are realistic (which, given the plot, is amazing), and I had so much fun reading this book and figuring out for myself how Grant and Clear were going to find the killer and save the girls.

I have a background in forensic psychology, and have taken classes on profiling crime scenes and offenders. I still didn't know where Angell was going with her novel, and had a great time watching Grant and Clear work on solving the crimes before the killer took yet another young girl's life.  Particularly when the killer would 'return' his victims, only to kidnap more to replace them, I couldn't help but begin my own profile of the type of person who would be committing such crimes.

Even better was the fact that the attraction between the two didn't take center stage in Elements, something that appears to be becoming more and more widespread a problem in books today. Yes there is romance, but it is secondary to the thrilling mystery Angell puts in place from page one for her readers. It will be very interesting seeing the chemistry between the two in the next installment in this series :)

- Justin

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I won't lie, I had absolutely no intention of reading this book, thanks to the creepy little girl on the cover. My bookseller friends were all interested in reading it, but I kept taking a pass, until I saw it on an impulse desk at my library. I mean, why not pick up a book then? The lesson that I learned is the age old "Don't judge a book by its cover." I was blown away at how fascinating the story was, and the originality and work involved in creating a story out of a collection of old photographs. In my opinion, Riggs did a phenomenal job introducing characters and plot out of random unconnected pictures, and Miss Peregrine is a 5 out of 5 star series/author debut.

From the publisher:
A mysterious island.



An abandoned orphanage.



A strange collection of very curious photographs.



It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. 

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My thoughts:
I thought this was a well thought out story; evidently Riggs has imagination aplenty to come up with such a colorful backstory to so many unrelated photographs. I found myself dreading the moment when I had to put the book down to get sleep or go to work or something, eagerly anticipating the next chance I'd have to pick it back up and see what Jacob was up to. The peculiar children are much more interesting, and less creepy, than the photographs suggest, and it was easy to imagine what they would be like if I were to visit Wales and run into them at the crumbling orphanage.

One of the biggest complaints I have heard about this book is that it wasn't what people had expected from the cover/summary, and honestly I am relieved that it wasn't what I expected. I don't really like creepy or scary, as my overactive imagination tends to give me nightmares. Especially since I read so much at night rather than during the day.

As much as I hate being 'that guy', I've been trying to find more books told from a male POV. So many young adult novels are told by a female, and while I do still read and enjoy them, it'd be nice to be able to relate to the narrator just a little bit more (Hunger Games and Divergent are awesome, but I start fading out when the narrators are discussing the guys they are interested in). Jacob is a confused, lost teenager trying to make sense of what happened to his grandfather, and it was refreshing to be able to identify so well with the protagonist and to not have to cross any gender boundaries. Again, though, I'm not trying to be sexist or anything. I just would like to see more male narrators in the world of young adult novels (and for them not to be about sports and only sports).

Overall I found Miss Peregrine to be unique, inventive, and very entertaining, and I'm looking forward to the release of Hollow City, the second Ransom Riggs novel, in January. If you haven't taken a look at this New York Times bestseller yet, you should definitely get on that :)

- Justin

The Average American Male by Chad Kultgen

This was one of the most hilariously inappropriate and surprising books that I've ever read. I think it was really more surprising than anything, since I wasn't expecting the sharp, crude humor that filled the pages. The title should tell it all, a story told from the point of view of a nameless male narrator in his mid to late 20's, and all the mental observations that come from having such a narrator. If this sounds like your cup of tea shot of whiskey, then keep going and read my 4 out of 5 star review of this novel. But fair warning: This will be one of my more offensive and crude reviews, as the book calls for nothing less. >:)

From the publisher:
An offensive, in-your-face, brutally honest and completely hilarious look at male inner life and sexual fantasy. In the course of this hilariously honest book, our narrator suffers through a relationship with his vapid wannabe-actress girlfriend until he finds the perfect girl. But when he moves into the new relationship, he slowly learns that all women are pretty much the same, that man's true desires will never be fulfilled, and the decision between living life alone or biting the marriage bullet must be made.


My thoughts:
I was really thrown off when the entirety of the first chapter is "Same old bullshit." and the second chapter opens with our narrator contemplating the factors that alter a man's perception: "I wonder what it is, other than age, that turns a mouth a man would want to put his cock in into a twitching hole getting yogurt shoveled into it with a baby spoon." Mostly because as soon as this happened, I couldn't help but wonder the same thing. And then I started twitching in horror, realizing at what this implied for any older women I've come across in the community. Kultgen doesn't hold anything back in this novel, and almost any topic or situation is the perfect setting for him to bring up sexual fantasies, concerns, and quandaries. Family gatherings, parties, sitting next to the hot redhead on an airplane... This is the average American mind?! Freaky. And I am, in fact, a guy.



The thought of yogurt is so tainted now...

Writing this review is tricky because one theme throughout the novel is that guys quickly and frequently turn to sex in their minds (also, that virtually all women boil down to the same being). How can I write this review as a guy, knowing that my friends and family would be reading this review and therefore wondering what's going on in an average male's mind? I got over that pretty quickly though, since most women I know have read or are interested in reading 50 Shades of Grey and other assorted smut romance novels. (I would know, I read that so-called book and here's my review of it.) In any case, while I can't deny that a lot of the observations our narrator makes in this book have crossed my mind at one point or another, I do like to think that my mind spends a little less time out of the gutter than in it..

In any case, The Average American Male is a great read, fast paced and entertaining, but with a kernel of insight to make you stop and think. Sometimes, the thinking leads to nightmares, but that's to be expected when every other sentence has some lewd comment or innuendo that you have spent years learning to ignore and repress in the real world. I had a great time with this novel, but just be aware opening the first page that this is offensive and lewd and essentially directed at college-age men. Or open minded people of any other demographic (but still over 18). I for one am very excited to start reading Kultgen's sequel, The Average American Marriage.

Justin

Oh, and this. Just so you have a visual ;)

Killer Rumors By Antonello Fiore

So, the author of this book sent me a digital version of it for an honest review, which I intend to deliver on (as I do with every book I read, whether or not the author requested a review). Killer Rumors is a gripping story that you can't help but be pulled in by, and if not for the grammatical errors and lack of proofreading it would certainly be a 5 star novel. However, I had to give this book 3 out of 5 stars because the jumps from present to past tense and vice versa, coupled with bad grammar, significantly interfered with my ability to truly enjoy this book as much as I could have. Again, the plot and the story development was phenomenal, but the execution of the book was less than stellar.

From the publisher:
Father D’Angelo and Bakeman, two devoted priests were brutally murdered while going on one of their nightly walks. Detective Frank Rinelli is called to the case- not only due to his close friendship with the priests, but with his expertise of tracking psychotic killers. Rinelli suddenly discovers these murders were based on a scandal that occurred several years ago at the same Church where the two murdered priests preached. And it doesn’t stop there. The list of people being murdered in connection with the scandal continues to grow until the killer has his ultimate vengeance- and the truth released.

My thoughts:
I was blown away at how deeply I was pulled into this story, and how quickly it happened. Not many stories have the ability to really make me wish I had a longer lunch break on which to read, but Fiore has a way with plot and character development. Frank Rinelli and his partner Nick Lorenzzo are immensely likable, filled with the wit and quips that come with the territory of being literary detectives (I highly doubt that detectives are really as sharp and witty as those that live in the pages of a book, likely due to an author's time spent developing the dialogue for his characters to deliver). I had a blast watching them try to discover who was killing off the priests and church employees, made even more entertaining by the fact that Fiore gives the killer his own voice in the novel. The reader gets to see what's going through his head, and why he has planned and executed these horrific crimes. I've read a lot of crime novels (here's looking at you, James Patterson), and this author certainly has the drive and the imagination to become a major player in this genre.

That is, of course, if there is a bit more editing done. The verb tense shifts back and forth from present to past, and it is so difficult and so disorienting to read. Add to this word salad and other assorted grammatical errors, and the incredible story loses its luster somewhat. It took away from my ability to sit and read for an extended period of time, no matter how intrigued and curious I was to see what was going to happen next. And I assure you, most of your time spent reading this will be on the edge of your seat, anxious for the next chapter and the next plot twist.

Killer Rumors is a fast pace crime thriller that I would read again and again (and probably be shocked at the ending again and again as well). Assuming, of course, that it is edited and re-released. I look forward to seeing what else the imaginative mind of Antonello Fiore can come up with in future installments of this series.

- Justin

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

Advance copies, the perk to being a bookseller.

Ah, a fantastic fantasy/sci-fi/horror movie that blew me away. Stephen King's son certainly knows how to write a story, and I'm glad one of my coworkers got me all riled up for it. If you're looking for a thriller with a great plot and appealing characters, take a look at this book that is well worth the time, and is to me a 5 out of 5 star suspense.

From the publisher:
NOS4A2 is a spine-tingling novel of supernatural suspense from master of horror Joe Hill, the New York Times bestselling author of Heart-Shaped Box and Horns.

Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.

Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”

Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble—and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again and he’s picked up a new passenger: Vic’s own son.

My thoughts:
The beginning was confusing and tough to follow, because it doesn't just discuss Vic and Manx, but several other minor characters, and the story sets itself up in a strange way-- Manx in a coma, Vic as a child, and Bing Partridge before we find out who he is. There was such a lack of connection between the early chapters that I wasn't initially sure how I would feel about the book. 

Needless to say, I got over my apprehension very quickly and am very glad I did. Joe Hill does a fantastic job bringing everything together, and doing so in a way that seems both natural for the story progression and keeps the reader entertained and interested in what's going on. NOS4A2 is a compelling, suspenseful read that kept me guessing. I didn't know what would happen with Vic and her family till the final pages, whether they would defeat Charles Manx and save the children of Christmasland, or if they would become the next victims of his.

Hill did a great job adding different elements of fantasy and science fiction into this horror novel, incorporating a concept of alternate dimensions and traveling between worlds. That's not to say that I would want to visit Christmasland, but I think the idea of some people being able to visit inscapes and get away from reality is an interesting one, and it'd be interesting to take a look at some of the research and topics that Hill looked into when putting this into his story.

Not only does Joe Hill add a fantasy element to his work, he does so in a way that makes it almost compatible with reality. Imagine you can travel through an inscape in your mind. How do you think people would react if/when they found out? Chances are, you would end up undergoing intense psychiatric observation. Vic herself developed a defense mechanism against her visits through the covered bridge by making up stories to explain where she found the missing objects, to deny to herself the existence of the bridge that led her to the objects. She sought medical help and was taking medications to restore her sanity, which is what most people would do if they had the same experiences she did. It makes the story so much more relatable, particularly  events and experiences that are clearly unrealistic and would almost never happen (because who knows, maybe they do exist).

I rarely give out 5 star reviews, reserving them for books I am more likely to re-read and recommend to other people, but Joe Hill's NOS4A2 is deserving of this rating, and I recommend it to everyone who can handle the occasional gruesome scene or inappropriate language.

Justin :)

FREE THIS WEEK!! The Dark Horde by Brewin

1989, rural Victoria, Australia. Something is preying upon the township of Howqua Hills. Brian Derwent, head of the local Police Station, must simultaneously grapple with the investigation, his disintegrating personal life and unseen forces that are not of this world.

Part thriller, part crime-fiction, all supernatural horror, The Dark Horde tells of the return of an ancient evil that is neither stoppable nor comprehensible...

---

If anyone's looking for a compelling horror story that will keep you up late at night (and that you can read with an Australian accent), look no further. Brewin's novel The Dark Horde is available for free in e-book format from Amazon this week, through June 14th. I have a link to the book here, and I also have a link to my review of the book here. Definitely an interesting novel worth taking a look at, but like I said, try not to read it late at night ;)


Justin

Banished: The Gods Among Us by William and Pamela Deen

Quick review for now, as I have work in a little bit.. Another indie author, and another good story that puts a new series on my to-read list.

There's something about mythology that always gets me interested, and almost always leaves me satisfied with the story in question. Banished tells the story of the god Inlil, banished to Earth for his indiscretions and harassment of the other gods. While I'm not familiar with the ancient Sumerian pantheon or any of these stories, I was still intrigued and thought I would take a look at this novella (the first of four). I don't regret this decision, and Banished is a 4 out of 5 star story in my book.

From the publisher:
Banished, begins the story on the gods' home world of Nibiru and is the first twelve chapters of The Gods Among Us. There, the malevolent god Inlil commits and is found guilty of crimes against a reigning goddess, Sud. In the past, Inlil's father, Anu, God-King of Nibiru, has overlooked his son's indiscretions. However, in this instance, he cannot ignore the heinous deed committed. After confrontations with Sud's father, Haia, the greatest warrior god of Nibiru, and advice from his consul, another son, Enki, Anu banishes Inlil to Earth. There he is allowed to reign within the realm of canid, as a wolf. The only decree placed on his banishment, "Do not encroach upon the realm of man".

Inlil cannot resist.
In the year 10,000 BC, he attacks and slaughters a tribe of humans. He learns from the experience. Death, pain, and suffering of humans empowers him.

In response, Anu is forced to send Enki for the purpose of returning Inlil to Nibiru and imprisonment in Irkalla, the underworld. Enki, taking the form of a great white eagle, confronts his half-brother. Inlil escapes, althought not unharmed, into the dense forest and the battle for humankind begins.

My thoughts:
While there were parts that I thought could have been written a little better, I was pleased with this story and am likely to pick up the rest of the Gods Among Us novellas. I feel like the dialogue left a bit to be desired, but the Deens do a great job with descriptions and plot development. Again, I'm not savvy on this world of mythology, and cannot speak as to the 'poetic license' that other reviewers claim Deen took in retelling the story of these gods, but it is a quick novella that is sure to catch your attention and pull you into the characters' lives. I would definitely like to learn more about the big events that have brought the gods to this juncture, and hopefully some of this is highlighted in the rest of the series.

Justin :)