Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Nature's Art


Autumn person


Review: Ethea (Daughter of Chaos 3) by A.C. Salter

Ethea: The daughter of Chaos: Volume 3Ethea: The daughter of Chaos: Volume 3 by A.C. Salter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first two books in this series, I could not wait to find out how it all ends, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. My every expectation for this story was met! Merged worlds bring all sorts of surprises, from the creepiest creatures to heroic hearts, and I lapped it up. Then there are the battles! Massive in scale, the give it all and die for a cause type battles, filled with death, horror and terror. From snow to fire, from air to underwater – I found myself holding my breath sometimes!

There’s also quirky humour, and fellowship and love. There’s hope amid despair, there’s beauty amid the chaos. Most of all, this is an epic tale, bringing mythology and fantasy into our time and place in an imaginative and highly enjoyable way. My only gripe is that Elora and Bray’s tale will go on now without us looking in on them via the pages. Who knows, maybe the Empire will have need of their skills in the future …

Well done to the author! Excellent indeed!


View all my reviews

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Review: Owl Dreams by John T. Biggs

Owl DreamsOwl Dreams by John T. Biggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A little bit supernatural, a lot of crime, a big search, many weird folk, strange mind games, all excellently revealed in this contemporary story. I did not know what exactly to expect from ‘owl dreams’ and was more than pleasantly surprised. It’s clever and filled with nuance, and for once there is no way to predict how the story will flow – surprises everywhere. A must read!

View all my reviews

Review: Incarnation (Wandering Stars #1) by Jason Tesar

Incarnation (Wandering Stars, #1)Incarnation by Jason Tesar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Am in two minds here. Do I give it 5 stars for story and imagination, description and plot, or do I give it 3 stars because all the angelic names confused me (kept having to stop to figure out which tribe was which)? All aside, though, I did read it all! And that means it has that ‘something’ to keep a reader interested. When I got to the end and read the author’s extras, I understood more of what the intent behind the tale is, and because of that (aha moment!) I’m giving it 4 stars. Definitely worth reading, and I suspect what comes next in the series is too!

View all my reviews

Review: Nightfall by Peter B. Hoole

NightfallNightfall by Peter B. Hoole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Now this would make a good movie, a real humdinger thriller end of the world chase. Great plot, great characters too, both the good ones and the not-so-good. Usually mistakes in a narrative don’t bother me (no one is perfect!) but I feel this story will be even better if it’s tightened a bit. The story still got me, though, despite errors. One other thing, I feel ‘Nightfall’ as a title should describe what comes next (as in sequel) and this one should focus on the serum (a title that plays on what is the main focus of the end of the world plotters). One question that went unanswered was the origin of said serum; I wish that was explained. Other than that, still a good read. It would make a good movie, without doubt!

View all my reviews

Art Aficionado


To be honest, a few of us did this quiz and we all received 100%, even those of us who guessed all the way through! Maybe not a true reflection, then :)

Monday, October 2, 2017

Review: Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser

Never Forgotten (Never Forgotten, #1)Never Forgotten by Kelly Risser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While this is YA/NA, I do think all ages will enjoy this. I know I did! It’s excellently constructed, with hints to the ‘something more’ spread throughout to brilliant effect. A great read; I will definitely be reading the next in this series.

View all my reviews

Review: Darkest Wish by A.C. Salter

Darkest WishDarkest Wish by A.C. Salter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Be careful of what you wish for!! This short story warns about miscommunication and speaking judgments as truth, and is also imaginative and brilliantly executed. LOVE it!

View all my reviews

Fled is that music


Perfectionist


While the above is true, I don't believe in perfection. And I work well with plans that go in a different direction than at first allowed for. Perfection is about perception - what works for me may not work for you - perhaps it should be 'Perceptionist' rather than 'Perfectionist'!