Tag: reviews

Review: Arkadium Rising (Brother’s Keeper #1)

~ sharisakurai ~ 2 Comments

Arkadium Rising

Arkadium Rising (Brother’s Keeper #1) by Glen Krisch

The Arkadium’s time has come. A religious cult intent on setting history back ten thousand years, destroying modern man’s domination of the planet.

Growing up, the Grant brothers were close, but as they reached adolescence they drifted apart, taking opposite paths into adulthood. Straight-laced Jason works for a small town newspaper. Marcus is into drugs, violence, and self-destruction.

Marcus finds salvation and sobriety when he joins the Arkadium and reaches out to his brother, wanting him by his side to record the new prehistoric era, Arkadium’s era. Jason faces a choice, join his brother in the destruction of humanity, or die like one of the millions of innocents who will fall in the Arkadium’s ascent.

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com

Arkadium Rising on Goodreads

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 4 Stars

Arkadium Rising is the first book in the Brother’s Keeper series by Glen Krisch. It is the story of two brothers, one of whom is estranged from the family due to his drug addiction. When the story begins Jason is visited by his brother’s ex-girlfriend, Delaney, who informs him that not only is his brother clean, but that he has found religion. At first Jason is sceptical and despite knowing this he does not want anything to do with Marcus. His mind is changed, however, when the family receive some bad news and Jason leaves with Delaney to bring Marcus home. What Jason hasn’t been told is that Marcus is high up in the hierarchy of Arkadium, a religious cult that intends on bringing an end to life as Jason knows it.

Arkadium Rising is a fast paced and gripping read with a host of interesting and complex characters all with their own desires and beliefs driving them forward to survive in the new world that dramatically unfolds. There was a lot of violence and bloodshed as you would expect. The emotions running throughout the book were unfaltering and the existing (and new) relationships and connections between the characters made it feel very real.

As it is the first in the series the ending is left open, but without detracting from being able to enjoy the novel as a standalone. I very much look forward to reading the second book in the series.

Review: Project Ark

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Project Ark

Project Ark by L.T Gibbons

Fourteen year old Mia McAdams’ world is turned upside down when she finds herself torn from her life on Earth and transplanted onto the planet Usonia – a secret utopic world colonised after the second world war to safeguard the human race.

Submerged into this new reality, Mia quickly falls in love with the glittering planet and its alluring, other-worldly inhabitants. But when the future of Usonia comes under threat, it soon becomes clear that Mia holds the key to its survival.

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com

Project Ark on Goodreads

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 3 Stars

Project Ark tells the story of Mia McAdams who is uprooted from her life on Earth to live on the secretly colonised planet Usonia. The novel shows how Mia adjusts to her new life and the very different way of living on the utopian-like planet.

I really liked the concept of Usonia, the whole new society and way of life, which is greatly different to that on Earth. There were amazing and very creative technological advancements. Project Ark high-lights environmental issues, and I like how it addresses them and also heightens the awareness of climate changes that we face today.

However, for me the pacing and the characterisation of Mia was disappointing. I felt as though it needed more chapters to expand on some areas. I would have liked to see more of Mia’s life before leaving for Usonia and also seen more of an interaction between her, her parents and best friend as I felt that her back-story and relationships were somewhat side-lined. The conflict later in the novel was brought to a rather rapid conclusion and I would have preferred this to play out for a bit longer.

I liked Mia’s character, but found myself wishing for a bit more depth to her. At times her swift adjustment to life on Usonia was frustrating. It felt as though she was now looking down on people from Earth and had forgotten that it wasn’t too long ago that she use to live there and be one of them. Perhaps Mia could have been used to bridge the gap that I felt existed between Usonia and Earth as there is lots that the two planets’ societies could have learned from each other.

Overall I did enjoy reading Project Ark. L .T Gibbons is very talented and has a great imagination. In my opinion it could have been longer and expanded on in some areas but this doesn’t detract from it being a good read.

Review: Mr Ruins

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Mr_Ruins

Mr Ruins (Ruins Sonata #1) by Michael John Grist

Book 1 of the Ruins Sonata trilogy.

Ritry Goligh is a former Arctic marine living in a dystopian, tsunami-wrecked future. He works as a graysmith- a specialist capable of diving the minds of others and implanting or erasing memories. Scarred by the events of the Arctic war, he leads a directionless life of alcohol, violence, and sex, until a man calling himself Mr. Ruins offers him a devil’s bargain- gain a future, but forfeit his soul.

At the same time, a crew of hardened marines rouse in a unique submarine designed to dive through lava within a planet’s molten core. They have no memories except their names, ranks, and a burning urge to complete their mission. Yet none of them know what their mission is, or what the stakes will be if they fail.

Purchase Link: www.amazon.com

Mr Ruin’s on Goodreads

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5 Stars

Mr Ruins is the first book of the Ruins Sonata trilogy. It tells two stories; the first of one man’s struggle against a terrible evil and the second of a group of marines tasked to complete their mission no matter what.

Ritry Goligh is a broken man. Working as a graysmith he fills his empty life with booze and women. When the story begins he’s weak, seriously flawed and at times a difficult character to like. As the novel progresses and Ritry is struggling to get his life back in order he becomes stronger and very likeable, and definitely I found myself caring for the character and his fate.

Mr Ruins is an excellent antagonist and the perfect adversary for Ritry.  He incorporates everything a villain should be; ruthless, devious, manipulative, charismatic, frightening. You could literally feel the atmosphere of the novel change with every scene that he was in.

Alongside Ritry’s battle against Mr Ruins runs the story of a group of marines who are tasked with completing a mission without any knowledge of their time before it began and what might happen should they fail. At first the two stories seem unconnected but further into the novel how they are interlinked becomes clear.

Mr Ruins is a fantastic and extremely well-written science fiction novel. The plot is engaging, compelling and very cleverly thought out, which kept me guessing right up until the very end. I highly recommend Mr Ruins to lovers of the science fiction genre!

Review: Death Defiant

~ sharisakurai ~ 1 Comment

death_defiantDeath Defiant by Paige Reiring

When humans began hunting them thousands of years ago, demons locked themselves away in their own dimension, leaving their half-demon spawn to wander the earth. Abandoned, alone, and outcast from all societies, half-demons formed their own small cities or learned to live, mutilated and hidden, from the humans who wanted them dead.

After saving a stranger in a busy New York street, Cherifa reveals to the world her two biggest secrets: she’s a half-demon, and she can’t die. With humans, demons, and everything in-between wanting to harness her power, Cheri must go on the run with the eccentric person she saved. But her death has sparked waves of revolution in the half-demon community, and if she wants to stop an interdimensional war, she’ll have to go through Hell to do it.

Purchase Links: www.amazon.com

Death Defiant on Goodreads

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 3 Stars

I had mixed feelings about this novel as I reached its end. Some things I enjoyed and others I was not so keen on.

The concept and characters I really liked. The author has clearly taken time to develop her ideas and characters. Cherifa, the protagonist, is a half-demon who cannot die. By saving the life of a stranger Cherifa places herself in the middle of a war where all sides wish to use her to their advantage. Not knowing who to trust Cherifa must make decisions that not only affect her but possibly the outcome of the war.

The characterisation is excellent and as the novel progresses you see Cherifa and the supporting cast growing and developing further. I really enjoyed the beginning of the relationship between Cherifa and Belkor. It happened so naturally and wasn’t rushed at all so you can really appreciate the little moments between them and recognise them for what they are even before they do!

However, I did feel that perhaps there could have been some further description of the dimensions in some places as I was left trying to fill in a few more blanks than I would have liked too. I also did feel that the pace was hurried and that a little more time could have been taken to develop the story-line in places.

Overall Death Defiant is a good fantasy read with an engaging plot and interesting characters, but there are some things that I felt could made it even more enjoyable for me. This is probably more for readers who prefer a faster pace, but I would definitely like to read more of Cherifa’s story in the future.

Review: Six Celestial Swords

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six_celestial_swordsSix Celestial Swords by T.A. Miles

Inspired by the rise of dark forces in Sheng Fan, the mystic Xu Liang, officer of the Empire, servant of the Song Dynasty, leaves his homeland in search of four ancient magical blades to unite with two sacred weapons already in the possession of the Empire. It is his plan to unite these weapons against the chaos rising in Sheng Fan. What he does not plan on is uniting the swords’ bearers as well, nor the many forms chaos has taken throughout the world.

Six Celestial Swords is the first book in the Celestial Empire series, and the first published in the larger Dryth series.

Purchase Links: www.amazon.com.

Six Celestial Swords on www.goodreads.com.

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5 Stars

When I first began reading this novel, I was expecting to read an oriental tale but instead I found myself quickly immersed in an epic fantasy adventure.

Mystic Xu Liang sets out to retrieve the four missing celestial swords which have the power to save his empire. With his loyalty to his empire and empress driving him, Xu Liang is determined to complete his mission no matter what. His journey across realms sees him forming alliances with others who possess the swords that he has been searching for.

Six Celestial Swords is an incredibly well-written and gripping fantasy novel. It is full of wonderfully detailed and beautiful descriptions that really bring the story to life and many memorable characters. The novel kept a steady pace with plenty of action and twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Six Celestial Swords and can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing fantasy series.

Review: The Poppet and the Lune

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The Poppet and the Lune

The Poppet and the Lune by Madeline Claire Franklin

A lyrical, original fairy tale for all ages, with a cast of characters you won’t soon forget.

The witch who made the patchwork girl died before she could give her creation a name. Stitched together from the remains of the villagers’ dead children—whose memories still live in her flesh—the patchwork girl is a spell as yet unfinished, held together by nothing more than a ring made of moonbeams. She can never be what her parents want her to be: a replacement for the children they’ve lost. So when the poppet grows up, and grows tired of being a disappointment, she decides to embark upon a journey through the Everwood Forest in search of her real name.

In the forest she meets Faolin, a newly made wereman (a man trapped as a wolf except during the full moon) running from the beasts who made him. Wanting nothing more than to become human again, and to return to his fiancée, the patchwork girl promises to help him in his quest is he will help in hers. Together they face the dangers of the forest, forming an unlikely bond as their paths wind together: Faolin running from his destiny, the patchwork girl in search of her own, and both of them bound by moonlight.

But Faolin, afraid of the beast he has become, has known all along what he must do in order to lift the curse and return to his fiancée-in fact, it is the very reason he sought out the patchwork girl to begin with. But now, his cure has become the very reason why he must leave her: to protect her from himself.

Purchase Links: www.amazon.com, audible 

The Poppet and the Lune on www.goodreads.com

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5 Stars

The Poppet and the Lune tells the story of Elizabeth, the patchwork girl who wishes to find her own place in the world.

The patchwork girl was not born, she was created by a witch on the demands of the grieving villagers who had just lost their own children. The witch died before she could finish or name her creation and so the villagers called her Elizabeth; a name that did not feel was her own. As time passes and the women of village have more children, Elizabeth begins to feel outcast and so she leaves the village behind.

The Poppet and the Lune is a delightful modern fairytale telling of Elizabeth’s journey that will appeal to children and adults alike. The style and description used in the novel flows beautifully, although in a couple of places it could have been shortened in favour of moving the story forward at a slightly faster pace. The characters are very imaginative and each one is memorable in their own way.

This is a review of the audio version of The Poppet and the Lune and I would also like to comment on the narration read by Elizabeth Basalto. Elizabeth did a wonderful job of bringing the story of The Poppet and the Lune to life. She demonstrates her immense talent in the role of each character and the narrator’s part perfectly.

I would recommend the story of The Poppet and the Lune to anyone who enjoys a modern fairytale that does not shy away from the darker sides to life.

Review: Nica of Los Angeles (Frames #1)

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Nica of Los Angeles

Nica of Los Angeles (Frames #1) by Sue Perry

When rookie private eye Nica takes on a mysterious case, she enters a world of multiple dimensions called Frames, where buildings and lawn chairs can be sentient, a stray cat has great powers, books can be killers, and clouds can be spies. At home, Nica tackles missing person cases, while in the larger reality of the Frames she is swept into an escalating battle with stakes that could not be higher.

Purchase Links: www.amazon.com

Nica of Los Angeles on www.goodreads.com

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5 Stars

Nica of Los Angeles (Frames #1) is a very clever and gripping novel which incorporates two very different genres (mystery and fantasy) and combines them perfectly.

Nica is a rookie private investigator who, by two mysterious clients, is drawn into the world of Frames where different dimensions exist alongside each other. Whilst trying to get to grips with her altered reality, Nica is also trying to solve a missing person’s case in her own Frame.

I greatly enjoyed reading Nica of Los Angeles. Nica’s wit and sense of humour (even in dangerous situations) came across perfectly in the writing style and had me smiling on more than one occasion. Nica’s a very strong and capable female lead, who is very likeable and does express moments of vulnerability. The new dimensions that she visits are very detailed and well thought-out, creating perfect imagery in my imagination.

I highly recommend Nica of Los Angeles (Frames #1) to anyone who enjoys fantasy, mystery or a combination of the two!

Review: Kronos Duet by A.H. Richards

~ sharisakurai ~ 2 Comments

Kronos Duet

Kronos Duet by A.H. Richards

Psychic ‘astronaut’ Gareth Pugh and daughter Adrianna leap through time-space through the minds of others; dead others. Gareth’s mission, to reach the beginning of earth time, and confront God. He’s just not too good at getting there. Dead people can be unpredictably dangerous. Will they slingshot Gareth to God and the chance to undo a heinous murder? Can Adrianna protect him and fix their long-damaged relationship? Can she protect herself in alien psychic dimensions?
Brutal Dr. Buckleigh pursues them, missioned by the elitist Foundation to eliminate Pugh and Adrianna, and any evidence of God and time travel. His sadistic mercenary Cabot takes up the hunt, lustful to own Adrianna in a space/time of his choosing…
… But nobody factored in Rasputin, the hidden power of Stonehenge, or Black Holes.

Purchase Links: www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.com

Kronos Duet on www.goodreads.com.

Review

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5 Stars

Kronos Duet is a novel of great depth which explores the idea of time travel in a unique way; using the mind rather than any invention of mankind’s.

With the help of the plant Anis, Adrianna joins her father in traveling back in time in search of God, whilst attempting to heal the rift between them along the way.

Kronos Duet is an extremely well-written novel and one that should be read at least twice to fully appreciate the dark yet beautiful style and meaning in which it is written. This is not a light read, but it is an engaging one, which invokes so many questions and emotions as the novel progresses.

Kronos Duet is a brilliant novel which I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by A.H. Richards.

Review: On the Border by Christina Roberts

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On_the_Border

On the Border by Christina Roberts

It started as nothing more than a simple mistake: The accidental arson of a 7-Eleven and a brother convincing her to run. It has become something she cannot control: Finding her name – an alias she had not chosen – in headlines across America.

Cassidy Sundance has become a national phenomenon, a beloved rebel running from her responsibilities and leaving authorities behind. Officials must rely on a composite sketch to track her down. With a name suddenly as infamous as the outlaws themselves, Cassidy finds herself trying to make the best of her time as America’s most wanted criminal. Her name precedes her before she arrives.

Follow her travels across the United States. Witness how she cons cars out of strangers, hitchhikes across the interstates of the country, and even travels to Washington DC just to see the historical sights.

The fun does not last. Unseen officials lurk around every corner. Lighthearted moments are shorty-lived, and Cassidy finds herself struggling to stay one step ahead of those who want her. Even her friendships on the run do not last as the odds continually mount against her.

Cassidy Sundance cannot help but wonder what adventure will be her last.

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I really enjoyed reading On the Border by Christina Roberts.

Cassidy Sundance is on the run from the law after accidentally setting fire to a 7-eleven store. On the Border tells the story of Cassidy’s adventures across the US whilst evading her pursuers.

This is a great debut novel from Christina Roberts. It’s extremely well written and has a cast of very interesting and developed characters. I felt very much for Cassidy and what she was going through, dealing with events that were beyond her control and not really her fault. Jason is her perfect partner (in crime!) and the bond between the two of them adds to an exciting and unforgettable journey!

Links: goodreads, amazon

Review: Dakiti (Ziva Payvan Book 1) by E.J. Fisch

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Dakiti

Dakiti (Ziva Payvan Book 1) by E.J. Fisch

The distant world of Haphez is located on the edge of populated space. The planet’s native superhuman race is feared and respected by neighboring civilizations. Their military and police forces are unmatched.

Lieutenant Aroska Tarbic is an agent with the revered Haphezian Special Police. He’s lost a lot in a short period of time; the other members of his squad were killed in a tragic accident, and his younger brother was wrongfully convicted and executed for a crime he didn’t commit. Just when Aroska thinks he’s starting to piece his life back together, he’s assigned to a joint task force with a special operations team. It seems like a unique opportunity, at least until he learns that his new commander is none other than Ziva Payvan, HSP’s finest operative… and the assassin who killed his brother.

Ziva is good at her job, a business that requires her to ignore her feelings and carry out her missions without question. She’s confident in her own abilities to complete the assignment, but Aroska is a wildcard. When their team stumbles across a young human during a routine investigation, they soon realize that the situation isn’t what it seems. The boy has unwittingly uncovered an age-old plot, one that could put the entire Haphezian race in jeopardy.

Now the lines between friend and foe have become blurred, and no one can be trusted. United by the imminent threat, Ziva and Aroska must set their differences aside in order to save their people… and maybe even each other.

All roads lead to… DAKITI

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Dakiti is a fantastic science fiction novel.

E.J. Fisch’s universe is brilliant and filled with memorable and interesting characters. The two main characters, Ziva Payvan and Aroska Tarbic, are at odds with each other throughout most of the novel and yet must find a way to work through this together for the greater good. Aroska I had a lot of sympathy for and really felt the pain of loss and anger that very much drives him.

Ziva is calm, detached, strong and always coming out on top. E.J. Fisch has done a wonderful job creating a likeable tough-girl with a difficult past and secret that form a character of many layers that we can all find empathy with.

The story itself incorporates many new worlds, words and races that are cleverly woven into the novel in a way that guides readers through the universe. The plot is very gripping and perfectly paced.

I absolutely loved reading Dakiti and very much look forward to reading more in the series.

Links: goodreads, amazon