#406 ~ Midwyf: Liza

Midwyf: Liza by Valerie Levy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



(Book #1 in the Midwife Series)




On the plus side, this was a gruesome subject handled well, with a nice underlying story to it.  It appeared well researched and authoritative.

However, as a negative there were a whole host of oddly "hyphe-nated" words .... see, who annoying that is?  The hyphenation seemed to make little sense, being mid-line etc.,and I am wondering if this was some kind of formatting error - I will add a list of them in the Bug Bear/Errors section of the blog. From my own personal point of view I found it distracting, and therefore it lost a star, with an overall score of 3 stars.

I'm not sure that it grabbed me enough to invest in the whole series, but never say never.


Product Details:

This was one of my Daily Selection of Amazon picks back in April 2013, and as you can see from the date of this Review I am really behind on my To Read List.  You can get a copy HERE - Kindle file only listed a £2.62.

240 pages
Indie publisher
Historical Fiction genre
Adult - no overt sexual content


Errors/Bug Bears:

The bizarre hyphenation, that seemed to make no sense, below is a list of examples:

Page 12 - disap-peared
Page 20 - Occasion-ally
Page 26 - embroid-ery and noble-man
Page 28 - experien-ced
Page 39 - suffer-ing
Page 56 - glist-ened
Page 59 - enq-uired
Page 61 - dist-urbing
Page 102 - conseq-uences
Page 116 - con-sidered
Page 142 - accom-plish and com-manded
Page 159 - ab-domen
Page 176 - hap-pening
Page 177 - sup-pressed

As they were quite often at the beginning or mid-sentence, I could so no point to them, and can only assume that it's a formatting errors - it needs resolving in any event, as it lost this book 1 star from the rating.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#405 ~ Macbeth: York Notes

Macbeth York Notes for GCSE by York Notes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Excellent to purchase when you are preparing for a Controlled Assessment in GCSE English on Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Take note of all it offers, and it will help you boost your possible marks - perfect for secondary school students, or mature ones like me.

Highly recommended.


Product Details:

I know with the previous Review for Macbeth Text I mentioned that it was probably to get a paperback copy, but with the York Notes I managed really well with a Kindle Version.  You can get them HERE  Listed price is £4.49 for paperback and £4.29 for Kindle file.


Errors/Bug Bears:

None, this is a good quality product.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#404 ~ Macbeth

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

My rating: 4 of 5 stars







Oh come on, it's never going to score higher than a 4 Stars from me ... it's a reference book! Although, as they go it was extremely useful.

I've not had the mark back for my Macbeth Controlled Assessment (AQA English GCSE) yet, but this was the reference book I used. Handy notes regarding the text on the facing page for each piece of the Act and Scene.

Without a doubt Mr Shakespeare wasn't just put on this earth to think up torture for future generations of children, he was an expert wordsmith.


Product Details:

I have a paperback version, which is now covered in pencil notes and highlighting as well, but you can get a copy of this HERE.  The paperback version is listed for £6.18 and the Kindle file £3.79.  On balance, if you are studying, then the paperback version would be a better bet.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Not one .... obviously! 

Happy reading and/or studying.

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

#403 ~ 27 (Twenty Seven): Six Friends, One Year

27 (Twenty-Seven): Six Friends, One Year by R.J. Heald

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





I was very kindly sent a copy of this via the GoodReads First Read Scheme, in return for an honest review.

It seems strange to say this about a book, but I found it well written mediocrity .... by that I mean that the whole work was well written, and to some extent enjoyable, but the subject matter was about the mediocrity of lives.

I understand the author wanted to document what could happen when somebody reaches 27, but could it not just have been a tad more interesting in most cases - if all life had to offer was that level of boring, then the big guy above should help us all!

By no means to I mean any disrespect to the author's ability, just her subject choice, and I would love to see her really get her teeth into an exciting storyline.

So for me, just 3 stars I'm afraid.


Product Details:

I was very kindly sent a signed paperback copy by the GoodReads First Read Scheme in return for an honest review, but you can get a copy HERE.  Listed price for paperback is £7.66 and £2.99 for a Kindle file.

Published by Dancing Parrot Press in July 2012
328 pages
Adult Contemporary Fiction


Errors/Bug Bears:

None.

** ** ** ** **

Hope that you are all having a very Merry Christmas.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#402 ~ Script Kiddie

Script Kiddie by Michael F. Stewart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





Book #2 in Assured Destruction Series



I was very kindly sent a copy of the second book in Michael's Assured Destruction Series in return for an honest Review.

I was pleased to see that this second book kept up the same high quality of writing, in particular the characterisation and plot pace were done really well. Jan's character has more added depth and texture, which is pleasing - girl power is always a good read!

I am still worried about Peter, and fear that he will prove to be a down and dirty villain, but am clinging to some hope that all will be well, as Jan and her Mother clearly deserve a break within the story line ... see that's what I mean about characterisation, they seem real, which is always the sign of decent literary ability.

Very few errors found (I will as usual add a list of them in the full Blog Post), kudos to Michael for a good quality product.

From me 5 Stars, and I am eagerly looking forward to finding out how this all pans out.


Product Details:

As mentioned above, I was very kindly sent a copy by Michael, the Author, but you can pick a copy HERE.  At the time of writing this post the Kindle version was listed at £1.91 and the paperback at £5.72.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 60: ... Haines peerss at each of us.....

Should be:  peers

Loc 293: Bank machines laugh at me when I near them.

Should be corrected to:  Bank machines laugh at me when I am near them.

Loc 1113: The drab brick and corrugate siding makes ....

Bug bear for me, I think it should be: corrugated


* * * * *

I am so behind with my Reviews' at the moment, but will try to at least get the outstanding "Read" books written up before the New Year.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#401 ~ Assured Destruction

Assured Destruction by Michael F. Stewart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




#Book 1 in the Assured Destruction Series



This book was recommended by me on my Blog as a Daily Selection of a free Kindle file on Amazon. 

I wasn't totally sure when I started reading this novella that it would be of interest, but happily I'm pleased to report that quality of writing and an interesting story line do wonders to engage a reader - which is exactly what this book provides.

The main protagonist, teenage computer wizz kid, Jan Rose proved to be an all action, dive right on in and blow the consequences kind of girl with layers of depth and texture that create a fantastic character.

The plot moved along nicely and delight of delights no errors or bug bears were picked up. I'd like to commend the Author, Michael Stewart for providing such a good read of nice quality. One particular sentence, even though short, stood out as an example of what writers should be aiming for: 'Without lights, the dreariness shrouds me like a cold blanket'.

There was a certain sub-character that had my teeth on edge, and that was the boyfriend of Jan's mother ... even at the end of the book I still hadn't made up my mind about him.

I am happy to say that this was the first book in a series, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book "Script Kiddie", but for the time being for this book it's a big 5 stars from me.


Product Details

You can obtain a copy of the Kindle download HERE, and at the time of writing I'm delighted to advise that it's still available free (the usual listed price is £6.01).

Genre:            Fiction, Contemporary, Crime, Suspense
Reading age:   Young Adult and above
Published by:   Non Sequitur Press
Pages:            188


Errors/Bug Bears

None, good quality product which I highly recommend.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#400 ~ Kalorama Shakedown

Kalorama Shakedown by Robert Bruce Stewart

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Harry Reese Mysteries #3



I was very kindly sent a Kindle copy of this book by Robert Stewart in return for an honest Review.

The Novel was so redolent of an old black and white "gum shoe" movie, and it really bought back memories of Saturday afternoon snuggled up watching films based on plots like these when I was a kid. I really think that it would translate to a TV programme so well.

I loved the characterisations, in particular Emmie - her lines of dialogue were precious. The plot went along at a healthy clip too .... on the whole the work was funny, in places actually laugh out loud so ...... a big 4 Stars.

I will definitely be seeking out more in this series, the Harry Reese Mysteries. EDITED TO ADD:  Interestingly, upon updating the Review by Series list, I discovered that there is an Emmie Reese Series, I need some of those!


Product Details

As mentioned above, I was very kindly sent a copy by Bob Stewart in return for an honest review.

You can purchase a copy HERE.  The Kindle file is currently listed at £1.92 and the paperback copy at £5.42, both of which represent fairly decent value for money. 

Published by:              Street Car Mysteries
Number of pages:        274 pages
Genre:                       Fiction, Historical, Crime and Suspense
Reading Age:              Adult (contains no real sexual content)


Errors/Bug Bears

I know that I harp on about it endlessly, but I really hate "gotten", it's lazy so that was my main bug bear on this book.

There were in fact only two other errors, one of which is more punctuation:

Loc 275:  I saw a woman wrapped in furs leave the room where we had stopped.

I think it should be punctuated:   I saw a woman, wrapped in furs, leave the room where we had stopped.

Loc 3692:  Then she place her own bottle on the table.

Correct to:  Then she placed her own bottle on the table.


Happy reading.

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

#398 ~ My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain

My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain by Rich Samuels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






I was very kindly sent a free paperback copy of this via the Good Reads First Reads Scheme.

This wasn't the longest book, with a plot full of twists and turns. However, it made for it by being an interesting read with the plot focusing on not what will happen, but how your mind can work on your worst fears to make you imagine many varied scenarios of what might happen.  With a clear message that just because you assume somebody is out to get you, you should at least give them a fair hearing before you take flight.

I am always a sucker for a nerdy-quirky protagonist, so on the whole I found this to be an enjoyable read. Well written, with about two typos/grammatical errors - given there were so few I didn't bother to make a note of them.

I liked the way Rich writes, and would be more than happy to read other things by him. 4 Stars from me, I am sure you will enjoy it too.

Product Details

You can get a copy HERE.  The Kindle file is listed at £2.03 and the paperback for £4.75, both of which are good value for money in my humble opinion.

Published by:        RLS Ventures
Number of pages:  162
Genre:                 Fiction, Contemporary
Reading Age:        Young Adult/Adult (no sexual content)


Errors/Bug Bears

As mentioned above, there was nothing significant enough to merit mention.


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

#396 ~ Wyrdgrove

Wyrdegrove by Peter James Cottrell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






Nothing too "Wyrd" (see what I did there?) about this one - which was one of my DSOA picks at the end of March 2013.

I don't want to give any spoilers out, but a chain of events see Matt Wyrdegrove, injured US Marine, and his friend Jack (his socially inept friend) tricked into travelling back in time to the reign of Charles I and the English Civil War.

On the whole a decent enough read, and enjoyable, although I did find that the portion when they went back to the America a little on the slow side. However, the Novel as a whole piece worked well.

I believe that this is Mr Cottrell's second novel, and it would certainly translate to a Series - in fact I would love that.

There were a few errors, but not that many as to be distracting, and thinking about this for a few days I'd award it 4 Stars, if there were half stars around it would have got one of 'em. As usual you will find a list of the errors below.

Highly recommend if you like time travel, and especially if you like an historical twist.


Product Details:

As I mentioned above, this was one of my Daily Picks back in March 2013.  

It's currently listed HERE at £1.53 for the Kindle Download, which represents excellent value for money.

Publisher:       Indie Writer (Self Published)
Pages:           258 pages
Reading Age:  Adult, but with no real overt sexual content
Genre:           Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Time Travel, Magic, Action and 
                    Adventure


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 1844:  ...at the quays and find somewhere stay.

Correct to:  ...at the quays and find somewhere to stay.

Loc 2310:  "munter" and "proper double-bagger"

Bug bear:  would an historical sailor really have used those phrases?

Loc 3276:  ...fiddled with a draw and plucked out a sheaf of papers...

Correct to:  ...fiddled with a drawer and plucked out a sheaf of papers.

Loc 4189:  We are deep in Mattaponi country.  If you head south for the James River you we will all be dead before morning...

Correct to:  We are deep in Mattaponi country.  If you head south for the James River you we will all be dead before morning...

Loc 4332:  Is it so hard to imagine that a gorgeous Native American girl, no woman like that could possibly be attracted...

Correct to:  Is it so hard to imagine that a gorgeous Native American girl, no woman, like that could possibly be attracted...

Loc 4341 Bug Bear:  not sure a Native American woman of that time would have used the phrase "pee"?

Loc 5267:  Flames lick up the table legs.

Correct to:  Flames licked up the table legs.

Loc 5367:  What I mean is that it really bothers me that it doesn't both me, if that makes sense?

Correct to:  What I mean is, that it really bothers me, that it doesn't bother me, if that makes sense?

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#395 ~ Fifty Shades of Alice in Wonderland

Fifty Shades of Alice in Wonderland by Melinda DuChamp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





One of my DSOAs' from the end of March 2013, I've had this kicking around on my Kindle ... and been itching to read it.

A very tongue in cheek (actually many tongues' in more places than that) take on Fifty Shades, meets Alice Wonderland somewhere in Ann Summers. I have to admit though that I am probably one of the very few women around that hasn't read Fifty Shades - I read the reviews and decided that it wasn't for me - not because of the erotica, but the quality of the writing.

This piece of fiction was different, both titillating and frothy piece, and although yes the content is erotica, there was nothing too icky or cringe-worthy in it. I wonder if Amazon are going to sell the wheels?

On the whole a nicely written piece, and I would certainly read the other 2 books in the trilogy.

3 stars from me, and a highly commended piece of cover work too, that would make a nice standalone print!


Product Description:

As mentioned above I downloaded a free Kindle file back in March of this year, but at the time of writing this post it is listed HERE for £1.95, there is also an Audio version available for £11.14.

The books forms part of the Fifty Shades of Alice Trilogy, I will update the Review by Series section with the details of the other books.

Published by:    Indie Writer/Self Published
Pages:             115 pages
Reading Age:    Adult 18+ as contains overt sexual content and erotica
Genre:             Fiction > Contemporary > Erotica


Errors/Bug Bears:

Loc 1008:  Alice wasn't sure what to say, what to.  No one had ever kicked her there before.

Correct to:  Alice wasn't sure what to say, what to.  No one had ever kicked her there before.

Loc 1063:  He took hold of his manhood and lifted it, then he straddled her hear and lowered him other parts .....

I think it should be corrected to:  He took hold of his manhood and lifted it, then he straddled her head and lowered him other parts .....

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#394 ~ Tales of MI7: The Kramski Case

Tales of Mi7: The Kramski Case by J.J. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







JJ Ward, the Author very kindly sent me a copy of this book in return for an Honest Review (actually, you'd never get any other kind from me!).

At the start of this read I wasn't sure what to expect, it's a fairly plain cover after all .... so was astonished when I found that I was getting a bit annoyed when real life popped its head up and expected me to do stuff, rather than be left alone to read this. It certainly was a real page turner.

Having read it, I now love the fact that the cover is plain, it made me feel a like I should be meeting a man in dark glasses in a park somewhere to pick it up.

The subject matter would at first hint at full on "macho" type reading, but I'm a pink and frilly girlie and there was still plenty to keep me interested. There were quite a few strong females characters in this novel too, all written really, really well.

Not only did the Author conjure up some really great characters, but the dialogue was interesting and snappy, which made the whole Novel stand out as being Ian Fleming meets modern day, but written to perfection. Well done Mr Ward, you are now most definitely right at the top of favourite Authors' List. This is the kind of writing that would convert so well to TV Screen, or better still full on action film. I loved it, loved it ...... LOVED IT and it deserved the full 5 Stars Plus from me, and that's not just because I've fallen in love with Orlov!

There were a few small Errors, but as usual will be detailed in my full Blog Post Number #394 (October 2013). After I've updated the Blog, I'm off to search up more stuff written by James.


Product Details:

You can get this as a Kindle download HERE, listed at £1.88, which given that it's such a good read is well worth the money.

Published by:  Indie Writer/Self Published
Pages:           317
Reading Age:  Adult - with little to no sexual content
Genre:           Fiction > Contemporary > Spying > Suspense

The Author has also written another book in this Series, and I will update the Review by Series section as soon as possible with the details.  He also also written The House of Charles Swinter - check out his GoodReads page HERE. 


Errors/Bug Bears:

Not that many, as as this is a Kindle download, hopefully they will be corrected shortly.

Loc 1480:  He knew what coming.

Correct to:  He knew what was coming.

Loc 2387:  On the fourth day, Joy came down into for dinner for the first time.

Correct to:  On the fourth day, Joy came down for dinner for the first time.

Loc 3053:  Bronstein wore a V-necked jumper and chinos and had his had his left hand in his pocket.

Correct to:  Bronstein wore a V-necked jumper and chinos and had his had his his left hand in his pocket.

Loc 4784:  ... decent people and set yourself up as an tin pot dictator.

I think it should be corrected to:  ... decent people and set yourself up as a tin pot dictator.

Loc 5254:  The grandma retracted into her shell then peeped out as of she might still get her feelers bitten off.

Correct to:  The grandma retracted into her shell then peeped out as if she might still get her feelers bitten off.

Loc 5262:  ... I know how I feels, believe me.

I think it should be corrected to:  I know how it feels, believe me.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#393 ~ Zombie Day Care

Zombie Day Care by Craig Halloran

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Impact Series Book #1



In the first place, this was a bit of fun for me to read, as it was actually something downloaded by my fifteen year old daughter, but in actuality it was reasonably enjoyable.

I loved the fact that there was a Quantum Leap reference in there, which if you read my Blog regularly,ties in with the recent Review (#391).

Although not earth-shatteringly awesome, it was enjoyable enough that I will happily admit to a strong probability at some point in the future of downloading other stuff by this Author, in particular the Impact Series, (Zombie Day Care is Book #1 in the Series).

From me, then, it's 4 Stars.


Product Details

This was a DSOA back in March this year, and at the time of writing this Review it's still available for free Kindle Download HERE.  The paperback (if you subscribe to the whole ebooks aren't like books) is listed for £6.21

Book 1 in the Impact Series, I will update the Review by Author section at some point soon to show all the books currently in the series.

Published by:  Two Ten Book Press
Page:             202
Genre:            Fiction > Contemporary > Horror > Fantasy
Reading Age:   Adult


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 60:  The man above was a few years older than him, with thick black hair, an unkempt beard, and meaty arms like sailor.

Correct to:  The man above was a few years older than him, with thick black hair, an unkempt beard, and meaty arms like a sailor.

Page 83:  He studied the facility.  Green beacons shown around the lower entrance .....

Correct to:  He studied the facility.  Green beacons shone around the lower entrance .....

Page 131:  Inside sources saythat Christy Backwater from FNN News ....

Correct to:  Inside sources say that Christy Backwater from FNN News ....

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#392 ~ Boomerang

Boomerang by Paul Langley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





Book # 1 in the Bonkers Series



It's no secret that I absolutely love Paul Langley's characters, and yes ...... I a supposed to be a grown up. I was therefore delighted when Paul the Author sent me a copy of this to read in return for the usual honest Review you get me yours truly!

This time we see Mr Thompson doing hilarious battle with Boomerang the Muntjac Deer - somehow the pesky deer and his fellow cohorts come out on top every time.

Bonkers the Cat doesn't seem to be too much help, but lurks adorably in the background.

Like the other book, All Aboard, the illustrations are funny and well drawn.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just the kids, and award 5 stars.


Product Details

You can pick up a copy HERE, listed at £2.03 for the Kindle Version, or ask for it at any good Bookseller.

Published by:  Single Ply Publishing Company
Pages:           114 pages
Age range:      For kids probably 5-9, but adults love it too
Genre:            Fiction > Childrens' Books


Errors/Bug Bears:

As is expected with one of Paul's books, it's a quality product with nothing to report.


Hugs and happy reading.

Kay

#391 ~ I'll See You in Your Dreams

I'll See You In Your Dreams by Tony Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars








A little different and quirky, reading this Novel seemed to fly past, which obviously meant that managed to engage me. In fact, I've just popped back to check how many pages, so that I wasn't getting confused and befuddled by thinking it was a Novella. No, 300 pages, so my comments about engagement stand.

Not normally a fan of plot leaps from past, present, etc., I didn't seem to mind it too much with this one - I fit nicely within the plot.

Without a doubt I would read more by Tony Miller, and would award this retro-Quantum Leap'esque interesting read 4 stars.


Product Details:

This was one of my DSOA's in March 2013, and it therefore goes without saying that it was a free Kindle download at the time.

At the time of writing this post though it's available HERE listed at £3.18 for Kindle version and £6.83 the Paperback.

Published by:   Indie Writer (Self Published) his GoodReads Fan page is HERE
Genre:            Fantasy > Time Travel > Paranormal > Suspense
Reading Age:   YA to Adult with no sexual content as such


Errors/Bug Bears:

A nice surprise to find very few errors in this one - Kudos to Mr Miller for delivering a quality product.

Loc 1279:  Now keep your eyes close until I say to open them ...

Correct to:  Now keep your eyes closed until I say to open them ...

Loc 3113:  I'm in need of two thorough background checks on a couple foreigners in Fresno.

More a Bug Bear for me, although it's colloquial dialogue, the use of couple rather than couples grates.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay  

#390 ~ All The Paths of Shadow

All the Paths of Shadow by Frank Tuttle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





Published by:  Sizzling Lizzard Press
Genre:             Fantasy > Magic
Reading Rage: YA to Adult    



This Novel was one of my DSOA's from way back when .... oh okay, March this year, and I've finally found the time to read it.

For me this was a touch too boring, there seemed to very little action taking place until right towards the very, very end.

The actual plot line, it it had been snappier and with a few interesting twists worked in would have created really quite a nice piece of fiction, it just failed to perform.

On the bright side, the characterisation wasn't bad. I particularly loved Mug, Merelda's familiar, especially his little throw away dialogue here and there, he could in actual fact have carried the lead role, he was so well written.

I would be interested to see if Merelda and her Hang Cook got it together, and so would be tempted to read more, but with fingers crossed that the Author could pull off the promise that she showed.

All in all 3 Stars from me.  There were a few errors, as is all too often the case with ebooks, but I didn't deduct any points off for them (as always, you can see them in the Errors/Bug Bear section below).


Product Details:

As mentioned above this was one of my DSOA's back in March this year, but at the time of writing this Review it's listed HERE for £1.36 for the Kindle version and Paperback at £9.61.

In my personal opinion the Kindle price is respectable, but that's a whopping big tag for the paperback.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Page 132:  Suffice it say that Que-long is the ranking member of the delegation ...

Correct to:  Suffice to say that Que-long is the ranking member of the delegation ...

Page 133:  Chezin is to bear his sword wherever he will and no one shall challenge or attempt todisarm him on pain of the most direct and severe royal displeasure.

Correct to:  Chezin is to bear his sword wherever he will and no one shall challenge or attempt todisarm on him, on pain of the most direct and severe royal displeasure.

Page 214:  In casesomething happens to me.

Correct to:  In case something happens to me.

Page 229:  So put a bit of flash it in, if you will.

Correct to:  So put a bit of flash in it, if you will.

Page 381:  Oh.  The red crate on the north wall.  I'll want in that, too.

Correct to:  Oh.  The red crate on the north wall.  I'll want what's in that, too.

Page 393:  I didn't forget, by the way.  Had this special made for you.

Correct to:  I didn't forget, by the way.  Had this specially made for you.

Page 396:  Both of you will now go get a few hours sleep.

Bug bear, but I would love to see it corrected to:  Both of you will now go and get a few hours sleep.