Review of Cravings

                                     

Cravings

William LK

Sci-fi-cafe.com 2011

Kindle Edition

   Liam is a vampire from the old school. His lover, Elise, has betrayed him. She has taken a mortal lover and given him her heart. Liam cannot forgive and will not tolerate what she has done. Before he left, he promised to make her a full fledged vampire upon his return. Unfortunately, her betrayal is not without consequences. No amount of begging or pleading on her part will get her back in Liam's good graces. What are the consequences of her actions?

   This is a different and unique take on the vampire genre. This is William LK's first stab at the vampire genre and I think he has something here. My only complaint is that it was not long enough. I could easily see a full length novel with these characters. You don't see alot of fighting and fang biting in this story. Some have mentioned the romance. I didn't get romance from the story. I saw more lust especially on Elise's part and it seemed to be in an attempt to get what she wanted. The storyline flowed very nicely from the beginning to the end until reaching a surprise ending. This was a short, fast read that is easily read in one sitting. If you are into the vampire genre or just like a quick read, this is the book for you. 

   I wish to thank the author for loaning me the book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for being provided the book to review.

I give Cravings 4 out of 5 stars

Review of On Little Wings

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the author of a new YA novel, On Little Wings. Regina Sirois is taking the market by storm on amazon with her new literary work of art. I for one was enthralled with this book and could not put it down. I hope to have the pleasure of reading more of this author's works in the future.

 The author's website is http://reginasirois.com/

On Little Wings

Regina Sirois

Kindle Edition

ISBN 9781468096477

   Sixteen year old Jennifer has a great life. A best friend who has been at her side since forever. A mom and dad who love her. All get shattered in a heart beat when Jennifer finds a photo in a neglected book of an aunt she never knew she had. For sixteen years, Jennifer has been led to believe she has no family. Her mother will not discuss her aunt with her because she has pretended she does not exist ever since her mother died two decades ago.

   Jennifer is determined to find her long lost aunt and visit her. Against her mother's wishes, she seeks her out and leaves her family and best friend in Nebraska and travels on her own to the coast of Maine to unite with the only link to her mother's past. Jennifer is determined to discover why her mother lied about her sister and to find the aunt she never knew she had.

   This is an absolutely fantastic read that I could not put down. I was drawn in from the start with the emotional roller coaster ride that Jennifer goes on from the time she discovers the picture of her aunt until she finds her and goes to visit. The ride doesn't stop there, it only just begins. The storyline is amazing and flows well from the beginning to the end. This is a multi-faceted story that keeps you riveted. It is a complex jumble of love stories that will bring you to tears. The characters are all complicated and intriguing. The most down to earth seems to be Jennifer's friend, Cleo. She is very level-headed for a sixteen year old. Little, the ninety something year old former actress, who is crotchety and out spoken, will have you in stitches. She is a major player who is a force to be reckoned with. Nathan Moore is an extremely intelligent neighbor of Jennifer's aunt who is in a position that no seventeen year old should be. He is forced to be a son, father, provider, friend, and protector all rolled into one. Along comes Jennifer and he now has one more female to consider. On a journey to discover her mother's true story, Jennifer just might end up finding her own.

   If you are a fan of YA literature or just enjoy a wonderful story, you are sure to enjoy this one. It will make you laugh, become angry at times, and cry. You won't want to miss this one. It is a delightful read.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give On Little Wings 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase link for the book:  http://www.amazon.com/Little-Wings-Regina-Sirois/dp/1468096478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327909825&sr=8-1  and for the Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/On-Little-Wings-ebook/dp/B006MITQRC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327909825&sr=8-2

Review of The Father's Child

The Father's Child

Mark Adair

Kindle Edition 2010

   John Truman is an introverted college student who just wants to hang out with his friends. Little does he know that he is connected to a 300 year old secret society, New Dawn, who has it's sights on ruling the world. John has no idea that the society has designed and made him. They are just waiting for the time to come to bring John into the fold. First, John's friend George, disappears. Then, John is kidnapped by what appears to be the drug cartel, or is it?

   John's best friend Paul, along with Susan and an FBI agent, go off in search of their friend. They are pulled deeper and deeper into the clutches of the New Dawn society. Will they be able to find John and save him or will they be recruited into the society's clutches?

   This is a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and has you guessing until the very end. The storyline is quite good; but there were places where I was lost briefly because of the bouncing around of the characters that tell the story. There were instances where a chapter did not flow smoothly into the next. This caused some confusion for me. The story had twists and turns that are full of suspense. The author takes us into the minds of some true evil masterminds. This is not a book for a casual read. You must keep up with the storyline or you will most definitely be lost. John is a bit naive and can't see what is in front of his face. Paul is the kind of guy that women love to hate. He is a womanizer and sees them for one purpose. He is quite funny in his dialogue and thoughts and does have some crowning moments as the story progresses. All in all this is a fantastic story that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride. If you like action, adventure and thrills, I highly recommend this book.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give The Father's Child 4 out of 5 stars

Interview with Jacob Marc Schafer and Review of The Endless Waltz

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome Jacob Schafer to my blog today. Jacob is here to answer some questions about himself and to introduce his debut young teen fantasy novel, The Endless Waltz.

1- How did you go from a BA degree in film to writing fiction?

I feel like this is the only question that is easy for me to answer. I originally wanted to be a film director but most of my ideas were to big to ever realistically be made as a indie film, so I decided that I would just write novels with the hope of one day adapting them to film, but the more I wrote the more I fell in love with writing. I would still love to one day direct and work in film but now writing has become my passion, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

2- Tell us a little bit about your book, The Endless Waltz.

It was originally an old film idea I had that got put on hold back in my early college days. I first got the idea when I was looking up at the sky and pictured a ship falling from the clouds. The imagery was so cool in my head that I instantly began coming up with a story that would somehow fit with a falling ship. I started looking into sea mythology, specifically the Flying Dutchman, and Davy Jones Locker, as well as several real life pirates, and in the end I came up with The Endless Waltz. 

3- What made you decide to write for young teens?

I'm a fan of the genre for one, young-adult novels can have great stories without the language and  sex scenes that for some-reason seem "necessary" for an older audience. As I mature as a writer I intend for my content to be a little bit more complex, but still written clean and simple enough for a teenager to pick it up and read for fun.

4- Who has had the most influence on your writing and why?

I wouldn't  say that there's any one person or author that has had a significant influence on my writing. I guess I would say my friends because most of the books I read are recommended from them and occasionally my older brother. One thing that influences me which I don't think influences other writers is video games. Some of the stories in games has really affected me because of the great leaps that have been made in that industry, and now that video games are becoming a more regular household activity I believe they will start influencing artist of every nature in the future, from musicians and filmmakers, to writers like myself.

5- Who is your favorite author and why?

I would probably have to say Ernest Hemingway for some time now. His simplistic writing style and honest storytelling is the the archetype for most of my novels. When I read his novels I feel as though I'm reading about people and not characters and that is the simplest way to separate great writing.

6- Did you help design the cover for your book? If not, did you have any input into the finished product?

I was very active in designing the cover art for my book. I personally cannot draw even the slightest bit but luckily have a friend who is a great artist. I went to school with Nicolette from kindergarten through high school and she went on to study art in San Francisco and we reconnected after college and she agreed to do my artwork. We had several meetings where I went over how I wanted the cover to look especially the Leviathan, and then met several more times as she worked on it to make sure I liked it. She ended up doing an amazing job and I had very little to add as she worked on it. She's already working on the art for my next two books both of which should be out by the end of this year.

7- Who is your greatest supporter?

My wife. She has always encouraged and supported my writing from the very beginning. I value her opinion very highly basically because she's very different from me in many ways and that includes her interest in books. If not for her I feel as though I would get lost in my novels and miss out on the joys of real life, and I think that's crucial for a writer because how can we expect to write something believable and true if we've never experienced them in real life.

8- What does Jacob do for fun and relaxation?

Mostly read ha ha. I try to swim and skateboard when I can but I don't seem to have the time to do anything regularly anymore, and that goes for video games too. I really enjoy going to a coffee shop with my wife and reading with her, that's pretty awesome.

Here are some links:

paperback book on amazon      http://www.amazon.com/Endless-Waltz-Jacob-Marc-Schafer/dp/061554360X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329426390&sr=8-1

kindle book on amazon      http://www.amazon.com/The-Endless-Waltz-ebook/dp/B006EP8X1I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329426416&sr=8-2

my website      http://www.jacobmarcschafer.com/index.html

facebook      http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003009997765

Review of The Endless Waltz

The Endless Waltz

Jacob Marc Schafer

Published by Jacob Marc Schafer September 27, 2011

ISBN 9780615543604

   Brit de la Cosa has been recently promoted to Captain and is in the process of sailing back to England from the Caribbean. He is anxious to return to his fiancee Isabella and start his new life with her. Along the way, he encounters the infamous Davey Jones who sinks his ship and sends it to the Locker below. After it is determined Bret is still alive, he has to fight off pirates and marines in an attempt to escape the Locker. Along the way, he encounters Roman, the Flying Dutchman and the mighty Leviathan until his final encounter with Davey Jones himself.

   This is a fantastic young teen fantasy read that is sure to please young and old alike. The storyline flows smoothly from the beginning until its ultimate conclusion. Bret is an honorable young man who surely sets a wonderful example to all young teens who read it. Despite the evil he is surrounded with, he manages to stay true to himself and keep his word to those who helped him in his travels, despite the sacrifice it causes to himself. 

   I was a bit confused with the title. It takes some time before it becomes clear as to how the title came about. The romantic in me was thrilled once I discovered the answer. I will not elaborate and spoil it for the readers. The cover art is absolutely fitting of the story and the colors are gorgeous. If you are a fan of pirates, fantasy and mythology, you are sure to love this book. I highly recommend it and will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future. Once I started this book, I could not put it down. It is well worth the read.

   I wish to thank the author for sending me a copy to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give The Endless Waltz 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review of Showstoppers

Showstoppers The Second Emily Castle Mystery

Helen Smith

Tyger Books 2011

Ebook Edition

   Emily Castle has lost yet another job. She is recruited by her neighbor, Victoria, who runs a drama school for children, to help out interviewing perspective parents for the next enrollment of children. Victoria tells Emily about some poisoned pen letters that she has been receiving recently. She feels they are connected to a video that she and a former boyfriend made while in college drama. She insists they have to forget about them until the school performance is over. The problem is, Victoria receives a letter at the school and then all sorts of things start happening on the day of the show.

   This is the second book in the Emily Castle Mystery series. This is a short, fast read that will keep you guessing until the end. Emily and her neighbors are a quirky lot and manage to get themselves mixed up in some mayhem without even trying. In this episode, we find an injured man, a dead man, and a dead dog. Poor Emily has not let go of her own recently deceased dog, and now she has to face another. This episode brings us face to face with the age old feelings of jealousy and what happens when one person thinks they deserve something more then someone else. Will Emily be able to solve the mystery behind the letters before   a catastrophe happens at the school? If you enjoy a fast moving mystery, or just a good read, this is the story for you. It can be easily read in one sitting.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give Showstoppers 4 out of 5 stars

New Paranormal Thriller Author Signed with Seventh Star Press

Seventh Star Press signs on a new paranormal thriller writer, R.J. Sullivan. Follow the link to read all the details and to find out about his upcoming book to be released later this summer.

http://seventhstarpress.com/documents/press_releases.html

Review of The Last Czar of Stritonoly Book 3

The Last Czar of Stritonoly

William L.K.

Sci-Fi-Cafe.com 2011

ISBN 9781908387288

   Strito and Princess Becki are set on a course to take over and destroy the Citadel. The Spideron led by the vicious Ramsitt are intent on taking over the Citadel also and destroying everyone there. Barok, an Acidel, had been captured by the Spiderons previously and had been transformed to look like them. The transformation was not a complete success. Now, he no longer looks like them; but does not look like the Acidel either. He is forced by the Spiderons to assist in gaining entrance for them to the Citadel. Will Barok be able to gain access to the Citadel and will his beloved Schroomy recognize him? Gunther has his own agenda and is determined to use the Acidel to get what he wants.

   Just like the other books in the trilogy, this is full of action and adventure. The author has weaved a tale of war, betrayal, deceit, evil. love and forgiveness that is fast paced and full of action until it reaches its awesome conclusion. Princess Becki is just as evil and deceitful as she has been. Barok attempts to make amends for all the misery he has caused. Gunther is evil and has his own agenda and will stop short of nothing to get what he wants. Just like real life, the underdog are the ones to suffer the most when those who are in control, use them for their own gain. If you are into science fiction, I highly recommend this book along with The Eye of the Storm  Book 1 and Barok's Exodus Book 2. This is a fantastic trilogy that is sure to please.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to review.

I give The Last Czar of Stritonoly 5 out of 5 stars