#457 - The Soul Conductor

The Soul Conductor by Clair Susann Evans

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really interested to read a debut novel from a fellow Open University Student, who had done the Creative Writing Module, and I wasn't disappointed at all with the quality of the writing.

It was, apart from one or two teeny tiny errors in the text that I cam across (detailed below) of a really high quality. The plot was original and kept my interest right to the very end. There was a conclusion, but it wasn't an outright happy ending ... in itself that is a refreshing change, as quite a lot of authors feel the need to wrap it up with a big bow, which can detract from the work as a whole.

There are still left questions unanswered, and hopefully there will be a follow up novel to move it on. Although I feel that Clair has it in her to really ramp up the writing and add more layers of twists and turns to create a truly stunning read.

High recommended.


I did stumble across the following errors on the Kindle file:

Loc 265:  As his body convulsed with of pain from ...

Loc 943:  ... pulled him along behind one of armoured horses ...

Loc 1331:  ... but the water for him bring up.

Loc 1737:  ... stayed in such good spirits and talk about it in such a carefree ...

Loc 1839:  ... trickled back his throat and ...

Loc 4772:  His heart leaped in expectation (I'm not sure about this one, I think it should be leapt).

Loc 5260:  ... Kilora agrees me very much.


As I said, they are minor, minor things, and definitely do not detract from a superb reading experience.  It is truly heartening to find an author that does not feel the need to use 'gotten', and for this alone I would have added a further star if the quality had not, in fact, been as exceptional as it turned out - it was a full on 5 star read.


Hugs, and happy reading


Kay

#449 Blue Fire and Ice

Blue Fire and Ice (Land’s Tale, #1) by Alan Skinner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Land's Tale Book #1




I would say that this is a book perfect for the age 12 upwards market, even moving into adult reading.

On the whole it was simply written, but had a fairly decent pace and voice to it.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that it's got the bones of a film lurking in there ... much like Game of Thrones laid down the foundation for adaptation to the screen, I could seriously see this doing the same things.

Every story is made better by the inclusion of a bear, and then when you add in the unpredictability of the mix, it pretty much would have it all for a screen writer to run with.

This is certainly a book I think I will recommend to my 11 year old God Daughter, as a decent read.



Product Details

Another DSOA from about this time last year, when it was free to download.  At this current time it's available HERE for £1.84 as a Kindle download - actually, that's really a fairly decent price.

336 Pages
Sibling Press
Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Mystery, Adventure, Family Reading
Aimed at the over 10 market up to adult reading


The Good ... the bad ... and the ugly

Kudos for the fact that the writing was simple, and of a decent quality - actually something that is proving quite rare.

In the ugly section were a few a handful of missing conjunctions.

The bad were a few errors/bug bears:

Loc 530:  '... quite worn out from trying to make Beadledom a look a little brighter.' - look a little brighter.

Loc 534:  'I'm sure they are very clever but I don't why anybody ...' - know why.

Loc 1099: 'I would love to have you come, ...' - I would love to have you, or I would love you to come.

Loc 1116: 'She so hoped she was.' - the so is superfluous.

Loc 2362:  '... making the sea the only way leave the Land.' - way to leave the Land.

Loc 3023: 'Dot had offered hers to a young mother cradling a young baby in her arms.' - no need to use 'young' twice.  A baby is by definition young!

Loc 3853:  'I will not be burden!' - be a burden.

Loc 3858:  'Standing back from them all, she watch as Copper took ...' - watched.

Loc 3920: 'Her hands searched for the Dot as she ...' - delete 'the'.

Loc 5437: '... no larger than a crickle ball.' - I'm not sure if this should be 'cricket' ball, or in fact there is a came called 'Crickle' in the Land.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#448 ~ On Fallen Wings

On Fallen Wings by Jamie McHenry

My rating: 2 of 5 stars










Featured as a pick of the day back in May 2013 or so,
and whilst the synopsis seemed promising, the actual book turned out to be deadly, deadly dull.

It was nearly abandoned as DNF many times, and it was only due to a woman-ful effort that I managed to drag myself through it ... so it's a yawning 2 stars from me.

Although dull, there weren't too many 'bad or ugly bits'; you can see the full Blog Post #448.


Product Details

It's available HERE, and whilst I got a free Kindle copy at the time, it's now listed at £3.08.

Indie Writer (Self-published)
332 pages
Fiction, Fantasy, Magic & Mystery



The Good ... the bad ... the ugly

As far as the good is concerned, I liked page 104 '...and stuck to my memory like honey.' - very nice phrasing.

For the bad I'm afraid it's the same old missing conjunctions, spattered like seagull's droppings on the promenade.  I'll also mention the 'visit with you' phrasing, which I find jarring.

Where would this section be without 'gonna' or 'gotten' being mentioned.  Thankfully, only once this time.

The ugly section:

Page 16:  'I reached towards might best friend and embraced her tight.' - tightly.

Page 25:  '... grabbed Sean and kissed him right.' - not an attractive word to use, I would have gone for well.

Page 26: 'Sean held me firm ...' - firmly.

Page 30:  'Sean flopped to the ground next me and smiled.' - next to me.

Page 53:  'The morning passed in rapid pace ...' - rapidly.

Page 55: '... poked his head around the wall corner.' - wall or corner not both.

Page 57:  '...Sean, looking at me with sympathy and honest eyes.' - Sean's honest eyes looking at me with sympathy.

Page 96: 'I've never seen snow before the celebration before.' - never a good idea to use the same word in such close proximity.

Page 120:  '... to Leila and me, ...' - and I.

Page 132:  'Taking the weight off my feet allowed a savory sensation ...' - apart from the word being incorrectly spelt (unless you're North American) not sure about in this context.

Page 144: 'Maeia composed herself perfectly ...' - comported herself perfectly.

Page 160:  '... and corralled her toward my home.' - strictly speaking it's correct, but I just dislike the word, and it should be towards.

Page 182:  '... a couple deep cuts had exposed his flesh ...' - couple of.

Page 205: 'Madeline kept a tidy home and her influence was addicting.' - comma missing, and addictive.

Page 242:  '... could get the best of me ...' - better of me.


Hugs

Kay

#446 ~ The Reflections of Queen Snow White

The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David C. Meredith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







David Meredith, the author, very kindly sent me a copy of his book to review; he had been reading my Blog.

Firstly, I love, love, love the colour, and this is definitely worth using it to judge the cover.

I don't want to give too much away, but it's based on the Snow White fairy story, and gives us a glimpse into her life after she obtained her 'happy ever after'. Was it that though? Well, you will just have to read the book to find out.

What I will tell you is, that the writing was of a high calibre, which is not particularly surprising as David has a Masters Degree. It was an original idea, and very well educated. In short, just how a novel should be presented. I like his voice, and would eagerly read anything else he has to offer. David is certainly one to watch.


Product Details

I was sent a copy to review by David, but would have happily have paid hard earned cash for this one.  You can pick up a copy HERE.

Keep up to date with David's literary life HERE.  A bargain a £1.27 for the Kindle page, although admittedly it's not that long at about 155 pages.

Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery Magic, Fairy Tale
Indie Writer (Self-published)



The Good, the bad and the ugly (if any)

There wasn't too much to comment on here.  As mentioned above, the standard of writing was exceptionally high, with nice use of linguistic devices.  In particular the use of anaphora at Location 77.

A highlight at Location 95 was 'blithesome decorations bursting like wild spring blossoms', that was just lovely phrasing.  Alliteration was also nicely displayed, and I really liked 'disrespectfully dubious' at Location 136.

I was little disappointed though that there was a missing conjunction and  'gotten' made an appearance.  Yes, I am aware that it's common in the Americas', but it just frustrates the living heck out of my.  I had thought with David holding a Master of Arts, I would be 'gotten' free.

A bug bear, but essential only that (not an error really) was the use of 'coral' a couple of times.  Paddock would have had a much more authentic feel to it.  'Coral' just conjures up images of the wild west and cowboys.

Loc 694:  Breathing heavily, she drug the whimpering princess - she dragged.

Loc 965:  The void stretch away from her in every direction - stretched.

Loc 977:  It fell abruptly still as if cut off with a switch ... - this really bothered me as really the switch is a modern concept in this form.

Loc 1303:  ... but her heart was beating at frightful pace - at a frightful pace.

Loc 1614:  Gone were her thick socks .... - another anomaly, to my mind socks are another modern concept, and stockings would have been a better fit.

Loc 1787:  .... lungs she was drug from her chair - dragged from her chair.

Happy reading

Hugs.

Kay

#438 ~ A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars ++ rating





Book #1 - A Song of Fire and Ice Series




By chance I had a conversation with a co-worker about Game of Thrones, shortly after I also saw a clip from the new series. A discussion about the elements involved to make a good book, and then a good TV adaptation ensued.

I don't like give opinions not based in fact if I can help it, so immediately downloaded the first book and started to read, with a view to getting a box set of the series as well if I felt it was any good ... it took only a few hours to decide, it wasn't just good, it was EXCELLENT, I got the whole TV series and have struggled to put the book down.

Using my analytical head, the author uses simple and compound sentences in the main, with some other literary tools such as simile, metaphor, repetition etc. That in itself would make it good, but the book transcends to exceptional.

His use of pace and characterisation are immense, and the world building is second to none. I love the fact that he kills and maims with frequency and no discrimination - it enhances the dramatic effect and keeps you reading to find out exactly what is going to happen next.

It's an epic read in size, all 800 pages, and graphic quality. There is no wonder that somebody chose to adapt this for TV. All the bones are there waiting for the fleshing out, and sexing up, to provide great entertainment.

When discussed it seems that everyone has a different favourite character, for very many different reasons. My daughter like Ned Stark, my husband like Danny and my favourite is never short on one liners, even though he is short in stature - Tyrion rules!

From me a better than 5 star rating.


Product Details

You can pick up a copy HERE.  Kindle price is £2.99, but there is also a library bind at £12.04, which is exceptional value for money.


819 pages
Fiction, Historical, Fantasy
Harper Voyager (2010)


Errors/Bug bears

I have to admit that "gotten" did creep on more than one occasion.  He also uses 'short ways' and 'long ways' instead of a short way, or a long way.

I also disliked the use of 'in back' on page 369, and 'stopped to visit' on page 47.


Apart from the above, there was one actual error on Page 711:  'Master Luwin's turret was so cluttered that it seemed to Bran a wonder that her ever found anything.' - should be he ever found anything.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#429 ~ The Keeping

The Keeping by Nicky Charles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Book #2: Law of the Lycans Series



So far I've thoroughly loved this series; good solid story-telling like old fashioned school dinners. By that I mean, nourishing and rib sticking with no fancy trimmings. The girl knows her at around a comma splice too!

The plot moved along quite well; a nice twist developed half way through. Actually, I think that this author has the ability to take risks, and I'd love to see her really go to town in the way of twists, turns and double dealing.

I'm amazed that Nicky is writing this series for no recompense: she is thoroughly worth paying to read!


Product Details:

A DSOA pick from April 2013 (as mentioned above the series is free).  Hurry up and download your copy from HERE, before she changes her mind.

372 pages
Indie Writer (Self-published)


Errors/Bug Bears:

I can't lie, there is some non-standard English in her work, but the level was low enough not to be too annoying to me.

I made more notes in total than the first book.

I had forgotten to make a note of the locations, but they range from the beginning to Loc 2321:

We found her on the propriety - property.

And then it was the weirdest thing, just liked you'd see in a cartoon - like.

Why don't you two go see - go and see.

With a disappointed sigh, she fell back asleep - this is me being fussy, but back to sleep just sounds better.

She stood outsideThe Broken Antler - outside The Broken Antler.

Loc 2321:  Her car was, in fat, parked just a block down the road fromThe Broken Antler - from The Broken Antler.

Loc 2334:  ...he felt her moving her hands move up to clap his shoulders.

Loc 2455:  ...Ruth's Diner andThe Broken Antler - and The Broken Antler.

Loc 2594: Sneaking a peak at his face - peek. 

Loc 2765:  Because it's pouring rain - pouring with rain.

Loc 3340:  ...and leaving me in a lurch - in the lurch.

Loc 3437:  ...go get those cameras - uck!

Loc 3557: ...up toThe Broken Antler - up to The Broken Antler.

Loc 4230:  ...approachedThe Broken Antler - approached The Broken Antler.

Loc 4394:  His wolf relished the erotica pain - erotic pain.

Loc 5596:  ...inThe Broken Antler - in The Broken Antler.

Loc 7812:  Shifting so he was on top her - on top of her.


Happy reading.

Hugs


Kay

#428 ~ The Mating

The Mating by Nicky Charles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Book #1 Law of the Lycans Series




Nicely written follow up book in the Law of the Lycans Series.

Although a couple of phrasing issues this work is definitely of a higher quality than some I read, and anyway I can't complain as it was a free Kindle download. It's not uncommon for an author to issue 1 free book in the series, but more than one is generous - especially as the writing is for a good enough quality to be paid for.

I like the slightly different spin she's put on the usual werewolf story.


Product Details

This was a DSOA pick on my Blog in April 2014 - and yes, it has taken me a year to get around to reading this one.

It's available on Amazon HERE, and still listed free.

266 pages
Indie Writer (Self-published)


Errors/Bug Bears

Loc 2369:  Elise tried to logic the situation - that's an untidy sentence.

Loc 3170:  ...visit with Julia - it's the American way, but I hate it.

Loc 6570:  ...jogging down the lane way - better phrasing would have been nice.

Loc 6614:  Still and all ... - it's the American way, I just don't need to be happy about it.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#424 ~ Xandria Drake: Ancient Rising

Xandria Drake: Ancient Rising by Laura Cantu

My rating: 3 of 5 stars







Another one of my DSOA picks, that I've finally found time to read.

Fundamentally, the plot was okay, but it lost a star mark by virtue of the fact that I found it a little convoluted and effort heavy. By that I mean that it felt as if the author forced a bit too much out in the way of details, names, races and twists and turns - there is a fine line between over egging the pudding and getting it spot on. In this case there was an egg yolk to many.

I haven't made up my mind if I will read any more of the series.

Going completely against my usual practice, I decided to get my thoughts down down for this one right away, and so it is #424 on my Blog in March 2014 (I will play catch up with the books read, but yet to be reviewed).



Product Details:

As mentioned above this was a DSOA pick from April last year, it can be obtained HERE for £6.43 for the Kindle download.  Ouch, that's a bit on the steep side.



Errors/Bug Bears:

Just a few, it was a completely clean offering.  Sorry, it's late and these are a bit rushed, I will come back in tomorrow and tidy them up a little.

Loc 2547:  I struggled to my hands and knees, not sure I could to stand

Loc 4760:  Had Aydin also mention that gifts could seem like a curse?

Loc5258:  ... is a least 100 acres ...

Author goes on to state that portal is 'few miles away'.  Needs to learn how far 100 acres would stretch, and it's not a few miles.

Loc 5649:  Shaine was bit at the carnival - bitten.

Loc 6338:  Kevin's expression grew dimly - expression dimmed.

Loc 6338: go look - go and look.

Loc 6354:  go look - ditto.

#422 ~ Her Dear and Loving Husband

Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meredith Allard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars







I originally picked this as one of my DSOA picks back in April 2013 (therefore it was a free Kindle download at the time), just after the death of my much loved Father in Law, purely because of the title.

It's taken me this long to get around to ticking it off my 'To Read List' though.

All things considered it was an extremely well crafted story and thoroughly enjoyable. Decent plot and pace and interesting characters.  Actually, having just popped over to Amazon to check the details for listing I noticed a small strap line that indicates Meredith teaches creative writing.  No surprise then that it turned out to be a well crafted piece of work.

Not to give plot spoilers away, if you love the Vampiric, you will love this.

I also just happened to notice a small strap line that says Meredith teaches creative writing, no surprise then that it was well crafted.


Product Details:

It was a DSOA pick (April 2013) and having just gone on to check the details I've noticed that it is still available as a free Kindle download HERE.

288 pages
Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Vampires
Copperfield Press (November 2013)


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 241:  My usual problem with North American English, i.e. you go stretch your legs

Page 241: ... the one who has always been there for us, for our whole family back generations.  I would have gone with for many generations.

Not a bad tally though, just two annoying things that jumped out at me.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#415 ~ The History Keepers: Circus Maximus

The History Keepers: Circus Maximus by Damian Dibben

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book #2: The History Keepers Series



I was very kindly provided with a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads: in return for an honest review.

Without a doubt this is one the best books I've read in quite a long time.

It's like historical adventure, with a time travel twist. There are sparkling nuggets of humour and really believable characterisation by this author.

I believe that this is Book #2 in the Series, and I can't wait to get my hands on the first book now. I can guarantee that any future books will be snapped up; I need to know what happens.


Product Details:

As mentioned above, I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book via the First Reads Scheme on GoodReads.

Please go HERE to obtain a copy of this fabulous book.  Kindle version is listed for £3.59 and the paperback £5.03.

Please see the "Review by Series" page for information on the series.

483 pages
Published by RHCP Digital (August 2012)
Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Action and Adventure
No significant sexual content


Errors/Bug Bears:

None.

This was a superbly delivered quality product.

#414 ~ Myth of the Moongoddess

Myth of the Moon Goddess: The Aradia Chronicles-Books One, Two, and Three by April Rane

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Aradia Chronicles Books#1, 2 & 3



This was featured as of one of my DSOA's in April 2013.

Purely from a personal point of view, the author made the mistake of putting the Author's Notes at the beginning of the book. Normally, I only tend to read them if I have really enjoyed their work, but as it was presented as the first thing I saw, it was duly read.

I do feel that it coloured my perception of the plot for quite a few chapters. The Notes came across as pretentious and condescending ... although I am not sure if the author intended that ... it was just the way I saw it.

When I looked finally looked beyond; I gained a little more enjoyment.

The plot was a little slow in places, but there this was made up by some quite nice passages sprinkled here and there.

That having been said, I still don't think it was for me, and won't be pursuing the rest of the series. I have come to the conclusion (back up by my husband frequently) that I am a shallow thinker with a deep end half the depth of a puzzle. Therefore, for me this was a 3 star read. The more cerebral/spiritual reader may get more out of it than I. Give it a go; make up your own mind if it is for you.


Product Description:

Another DSOA from April 2013, which I have only recently got around to reading.  It's listed HERE for 77p for the Kindle download - not bad I hear you say - and an unbelievable £13.29 for the paperback.

A Box Set of 3 Books
378 pages in all
Fiction, Fantasy, Myth and Magic
Indie (Self) Published by April Rane
A small amount of sexual content


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 176: sharewith - space required

Loc 177: myheart - space required

Loc 835:  Her own held secrets and enigmatic mysteries of old flowed through her finger tips as she placed the leaf in Aradia's hands - this needs to be punctuated

Loc 1016: drug her out of the cabin - dragged

Loc 1136:  it does not come natural to them - naturally

Loc 1269:  prison guards had gotten sick - the prison guards had been taken ill

Loc 1753:  She had her own plans to fatten her up; put some meat on her bones cause she's too thin, said the cook, who had been at the villa for thirty years - mmmm, punctuation, speech marks and work on the entire sentence structure required.

Loc 2194:  seat next to the captain of ship in which she had been a captive on - change sentence structure.

Loc 2748:  huddles - hurdles

Loc 2820:  her son as he ate a hardy meal - hearty

Loc 3521:  although she had never showed her temper in front of Eurynome - shown

Loc 4147:  you go look at the dress - you go and look at the dress

Loc 4157:  Myrina wished only be a wife - only to be 

Loc 4938:  And he had been fool-hearty - fool hardy


Happy reading.

Kay

#411 ~ Coexist

Coexist by Julia Crane

My rating: 2 of 5 stars




Keegan's Chronicles #1



This one another one of my DSOA picks. I tried; I almost failed. This was very nearly a DFN (did not finish), but I battled on regardless.

Poor characterisation, poor plot progression and timing, but please bear in mind that this is just my own very humble opinion. What is one woman's mean is poison to her friend.

It just scored a 2 star rating from me, and I don't think I will bother to read any more by this author.

On a positive note, the cover that downloaded with my Kindle version, was very lovely - note to reader:  it wasn't this cover!


Product Details:

It was a DSOA back in April 2013 - yes, I am really that far behind!

You can download it HERE.  The listed Kindle price is 74p, which is actually fairly good value for money I suppose.

238 pages in length
Young adult fiction
Valknut Press (June 2011)


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 16 - to*
Page 16 - spilled
Page 62 - they never heard from again
Page 65 - gotten
Page 74 - come talk*
Page 141 - Rourk wasn't a fan chaos and crowds
Page 143 - go grab*
Page 150 - gotten
Page 159 - go sit*
Page 203 - The law governing out battles battles - just not a happy sentence!

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#409 ~ Alexandria

Alexandria by John Kaden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Centuries after the collapse of the civilised world as we know it, a peaceable forest tribe are murdered, their children and stolen and taken to what on the face of it could be a Utopian Society at the Nezran Temple.

However, all is not as it seems and their new world is built on lies, megalomania and tyranny, and is very much Dystopian.

The main protagonists, Jack and Lia, were childhood sweethearts, and many years later they manage to escape following a small raid by others. On the so called attackers gives them assistance to escape, put is horrendously tortured to find out where Jack and Lia have gone.

On the run from the young adults not only have to navigate their way through an alien and hostile environment, but have to follow the vague directions given to find the answer to all their questions. All of which has to be done whilst avoiding vicious foes and the Nezran Scouts out to kill them.

It was wonderfully paced, with nice twists, turns and glimpses of kindness and humanitarianism.

There was a downside though, and that was the cliff-hanging ending. I've just checked John Kaden's blog on GoodReads, and he announced in September 2013 that there will be a sequel eventually, so fingers crossed it won't take too long - this could definitely turn into a saga of epic proportions.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading of their travails, awarding 4 Stars. If I'd had the ability to give half star ratings, there is not doubt it would have been 4.5. Why not 5? Well, there were a few errors/bug bears that kept it off the top spot - please see the fuller Blog Post #409 in January 2014.

Can I just say that the cover artwork was stunning, and really says so much about the world that Jack and Lia inhabit. Kudos to the author for choosing it.


Product Details:

I featured this as a DSOA back in April 2013 - yes, I am that far behind with my WTR list!

You can download a copy HERE.

Listed price for the Kindle file is currently £2.56 - excellent value for money, and the paperback is £8.85.

444 pages
Indie Published by John Kaden the Author
Genre:  Fiction, Futuristic, Fantasy
No overt sexual content


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 1548:  The caravan curves around back of the Temple ...

This is a bug bear:  The caravan curved around behind the back of the Temple ... 

Loc 1878:  In the high cloistered dormitory, a group of new boys crowds around the thin windows.

It would have been better to use crowded around.

Loc 2140:  You used laughed at me all the time.

Correct to:  You used to laugh at me all the time.

Loc 2993:  A family of deer traipses through the grass....

It would have been better to used traipsed.

Loc 3486:  ...feeling a pang of desire to go be with them.

It's a difference between North American and Queen's English, it should really be:  ...feeling a pang of desire to be with them.

Loc 4638:  ...and asked us to come find you.

Again, the difference between North American and Queen's English, it should be:  ...and asked us to find you.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#407 ~ Ignite

Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Book #1 - Midnight Fire Series


I know that this was given 5 stars from others, but for me it was a tad on the dull side ..... it could be of course that I was bedevilled by the star rating given by others that made me have high expectations, or I'm very hard to please .... read it and let me know.

I don't think I'll bother with the remainder of the series.


Product Details:

You can download a copy HERE, I featured it back in April 2013 as a Daily Selection and it is still available free at the time of writing this post.

165 pages
Indie Published
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal genre
Adult (with no overt sexual scenes)


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 1827: He ate blood for crying out load.

Correct to:  He at blood for crying out loud.

Loc 2080:  to go find her friends.

I have mentioned it many times before, and yes I'm aware it is an North American affectation, but it should be:  go and find her friends.

Loc 2100:  let's go be evil.

Conjunctions please:  lets go and be evil.

Loc 2381:  gotten

Arghhhhh - deplorable use language.

Loc 2921:  Luke ran over, jumped at Diana and reach out his hands to strangle her...

Correct to:   Luke ran over, jumped at Diana and reached out his hands to strangle her...

** ** ** ** **

For some reason, GoodReads failed to pick up this book as a "Read", and therefore count it towards last year's total ... so lucky me, it is now going towards the 2014 target of 150 books.  I completely smashed through last year's target, but as we are due to move house and with college taking up quite a bit of time I decided to just keep to an easy enough figure.

Happy reading. and a very Happy New Year.

Hugs

Kay

Daily Selection (more sporadic now though) on Amazon for Free Kindle Download

Yeah, I know, they've not exactly been coming thick and fast .... in my defence I've been so busy handling the whole family meltdown; my mother's a a bitch; book reviews; college/exams; wife; mother and domestic goddess thing that something had to give .... and that something was my daily selection.

So, as a little Christmas treat I thought I would pass on a recommendation from one of my GoodReads pals for this book - it's a fantasy meets sizzling sex contemporary read.  Book 1 is currently free as a Kindle Download HERE.

I will update the details for the Mad World Series in the "Review by Series" Page at the top of the blog.

Hugs

Kay

#399 ~ The Prophesy - Bakkian Chronicles

The Prophecy by Jeffrey M. Poole

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Book #1 of the Bakkian Chronicles



I'm going to brief with this Review, which was one of my DSOA picks from March 2013.

The starting book for a series I believe, and a fairly good read. I enjoyed it, and will be looking forward to finding out how the series develops. I definitely feel that there is mileage in the plot. The writing at times was a bit lack lustre though.

That having been said, it was not so bad that it lost any stars from the rating, therefore a healthy 4 stars from me.

It was littered with some errors and bug bears, and you can see the details of them on my Blog - Post #399 in November 2013.


Product Details:

This was one of my DSOA's from 31st March 2013, therefore I downloaded it for free.  You can purchase it HERE.  The Kindle file is listed at 77p (which is brilliant value for money), and the paperback at £7.07. 

Published by:  Hungry Griffin Publishing
Pages:           341
Reading Age:  Young Adult to Adult
Genre:            Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery and Magic
Contains no sexual content


Bug Bears/Errors:

Right at the start there was a recurring bug bear, the use of sir Steve, which drove me mad.  The Author used Lady Sarah, so why not Sir Steve?

Pileup a few times was another bug bear, when it should really be pile-up.

Loc 84: anymore.

Correct to:  any more.

Loc 844: ...love-of-his-life wife start laughing at him.

Correct to:  ...love-of-his-life wife started laughing at him.

Loc 1892:  He watched as the stupid male open their pack, ....

Correct to:  He watched as one of stupid males' opened their pack, ....

Loc 2336:  This feeling of doing this wrong.  I think I know what I where I messed up.

Correct to:  This feeling of doing this wrong.  I think I know what I where I messed up.

Loc 2461:  'pursuit' twice in one sentence.

Loc 2771:  The castle has finally quieted down.

Correct to:  The castle has finally quietened down.

Loc 5975:  'Nighttime' should be Night time.

Loc 6658: ... for quite a ways.

Correct to:  ... for quite a way.

Loc 7599:  Steve watched as the exorbitant amount of jhorun he had just expelled rain down from the ceiling above...

I strongly feel that this should be corrected to:   Steve watched as the exorbitant amount of jhorun he had just expelled rained down from the ceiling above...

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#397 ~ Ronos

Beacon by Tyler Rudd Hall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Book #2 - Ronos Trilogy



I was very kindly provided with an Kindle copy by the Author, Tyler Rudd Hall following my First Reads Review of the first book in his series (Catalyst).

There was no awkward gapping, and this book started right after the end of the first book. Therefore, there was no change in the main protagonists, but there were some nice additional characters.

It was very nice to see that the same standard of writing was continued, and Tyler should be congratulated. The plot was moved on nicely, and I'm crossing my fingers that Tyler will be kind enough to let me have the final instalment in the Trilogy, as I need to know how the whole thing goes down!

I don't want to add any spoilers, as I'm keen for you to read with no pre-conceived notions, so give a try.

Most ebooks seem to have the odd error, and I'll be honest with you here, there were a few (not masses - as some were bug bears) - don't despair it didn't spoil the overall reading experience. I am very confident Tyler will put them right as a matter of priority.

Taking into consideration the way the plot linked in with the previous novel, the pace, characterisation and overall reading experience it's 4 Stars from me.


Product Details:

You can purchase a copy of the book HERE, the Kindle version is listed at £3.21 (which is reasonable) and the paperback at £14.56 (which is a little on the hefty side).

Publisher:      Booklocker.com
Page:            277
Genre:           Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Reading Age:  Adult


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 349:  More of a Bug Bear, I hate the use of "go" as in go rescue. Conjunctions are always preferred.

Loc 1110:  ....Mac desperately need to find someone name Janelle Stewart.

Correct to:  ....Mac desperately need to find someone named Janelle Stewart.

Loc 1223:  The space port was no doubt already at capacity and the wait time to dock would be longer than what Mac had time for.
they were,
In my opinion "what" is superfluous.  Correct to:  The space port was no doubt already at capacity and the wait time to dock would be longer than what Mac had time for.

Loc 2491:  Who's all there with you?

In my opinion "all" is superfluous.  Correct to:  Who's all there with you?

Loc 2907:  I got everyone into the container section and sealed them in the in the middle of the ship.

Correct to:  I got everyone into the container section and sealed them in the in the middle of the ship.

Loc 4359:  He grabbed Lynn's arm and started running towards the pull machine which.

The above sentence doesn't make sense, needs to be reviewed by Author!

Loc 4372:  Spread out like they were there was no way Mac and the others could stop all of them from coming up.

Correct to:  Spread out like they were, there was no way Mac and the others could stop all of them from coming up.

Happy Reading.

Hugs

Kay