Book Reviews
“I Ain’t Aving That!” by Martin Rogers
Available on Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Watch out, Lads, he’s got a Twig! January 24, 2014
Martin Rogers has a unique way of looking at things and seems to have a knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When he thinks someone has treated him unfairly, instead of just complaining and moving on, he does something about it! I recently received a parking ticket, but the sign was covered with a Christmas decoration, so I didn’t see it. Normally, I’d complain about it and pay the fine, but I thought about Martin and said, “I Ain’t ‘aving That!” I took a picture of the sign on my cell phone and went to court. They dismissed the case! I was amazed!
This is a hilarious story of one man’s fight against the system. It’s inspiring, ridiculous, and an eye opener. Just look at some of the chapter headings; “A Jar of Cockroaches For the Council,” “The London Taxi Driver I Paid to Bash Me Up,” “Blame it All on God, Because the Insurance Company Will,” and much more. When Martin returns a defective item for a refund, he’s told they have to deduct because some of the packing material is missing. This has happened to me! I let them get away with it and moved on. Not Martin, he stood around the store complaining and told the other customers not to buy from the store. He got his complete refund.
Being from the US, the southern dialect this is written in is, at times, difficult to understand. But, it didn’t take long for me to get a handle on it and I’m glad I made the effort. Its given me a completely different attitude about life. I can’t wait for the next time someone tries to pull something over on me because, I Ain’t ‘aving That!
The Eclectic Prince by Caspar Vega
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When Val, username Valentine, exits the game after being plugged in for almost 2 years, not that much has changed. His book, Eurotrash is doing well, and he’s still somewhat of a celebrity, and what else? Oh yeah, he’s asked to use a hidden power to destroy mankind!
The Eclectic Prince is a whirlwind of a tale that will have you scratching your head and looking over your shoulder. After finishing the story, I immediately started at the beginning again to re-read it. I can’t remember the last time I’ve done that.
If you like to read stories that will force you to use parts of your brain you haven’t used in a while, here it is! Help! I think I’m stuck in a loop!
Cult of Mirrors
Available on Amazon
Cheryl, a bankruptcy lawyer, finds herself in the middle of a political nightmare with a case that could have major financial repercussions. Fighting for her professional life, her search for answers is hampered by bizarre events effecting her personal life. Drugs, gang stalking, demons and spirits, and an unexpected pregnancy cause her life to spiral downward towards a potential nervous breakdown.
This is an exciting look into the life of a female lawyer, fighting the “good ol’ boys” mentality of her profession. It’s obvious the author has personal experience with courtroom procedure, making it interesting to follow along with the scenes.
The Floating Man
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When reporter John Hill reads the headline, “Floating Man from France to perform Aerial Stunts this Saturday,” he didn’t realize what he’d stumbled upon. Doing research to find out more about Henri Richaud, he’s unable to find out anything else about him or his anti-gravity device. It’s as if the event never happened. With help from others, he begins to realize the government has hidden the information in an unprecedented cover-up spanning two centuries.
This is an exciting adventure story with unexpected twists and turns. I found myself more than once thinking it was a true historical novel. I became attached to the characters as they attempt to stay one-step ahead of their pursuers, while uncovering the facts.
Seven Secrets of Superselling
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At first glance, the Seven Secrets of Superselling may seem like common sense tips that all salespeople hear at the beginning of their careers. But the author’s explanations and real life examples taken from his forty-year sales career really brings them into focus. After thoroughly explaining the seven secrets the author goes one step further by giving direct, step-by-step advice on implementing them in your daily life. His advice to “Be real, be positive, be honest,” applies to anyone trying to work their way to the top of an organization.
Whether you are considering a new career as a salesman, or trying to increase your current sales, this book will make a big difference.
The Superfood Smoothie Diet by Jan C. Keller
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If you’re like me and find yourself skipping meals because you just don’t have the time to eat, this is the book for you. It includes tips on buying a blender, a list of fifteen superfoods, describing the nutrients and vitamins in each, and seventy wonderful smoothie recipes. Some of my favorite recipes are; Banana-Berry Peach, Kiwi Melon Barley, and Vanilla Cherry Banana with Almond Milk.
It also has a twenty-eight day diet plan using the superfood smoothies. The author claims the diet will kick start you on your way to cleaning up your diet and get fruits and vegetables back into your daily routine. Sounds good to me!
Body Blueprint: The Definitive Guide to Rapid Muscle Growth and Effortless Fat Loss by Jacob Lyons
Available on Amazon
Author Jacob Lyons starts Body Blueprint explaining the importance of eating correctly with a thorough discussion on proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. He gives details of the nine essential amino acids in protein your body can’t produce and explains how they are the building blocks of our bodies. He also helps you recognize the signals your body is giving you and helps you adjust your diet accordingly.
The chapter on muscle growth describes three of his favorite exercises for each muscle area of your body. Included is a daily workout plan for your upper and lower body to help you build and maintain significant muscle. There is a section on hormones where you’ll learn how to optimize their levels to stay strong, feel great, and live a long and healthy life. His tips and advice on how to keep motivated include using music, having a gym buddy, setting goals, and choosing the right time to work out, are worth the price of the book.
Anyone starting out in the fitness world and feeling overwhelmed will benefit greatly by Jacob’s fourteen years of training and his experience as a personal trainer.
Garrett’s Mulligan by Grant Reed
Available on Amazon
Garrett’s Mulligan is a fun, adventure story about Garrett Willigins and his small green and orange dragon, Merle. The story takes place in the seaside town of Deep Cove, which, with its towering sun drenched cliffs and booming commerce, makes for a wonderful setting. The depth of the characters made them come alive for me. I soon forgot that I was reading about a robot wearing a pink apron, eight-foot tall minotaurs with three-foot horns, and greeny-browned baby skinned ogres.
Author Grant Reed has created an exciting mystery with a group of bizarre characters and made them come alive. His wonderful descriptions and unpredictable plot twists kept me engaged through the whole story.
Freak Story by Sam Sundance
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Author Sam Sundance is 16 years old in 1968 when he convinces his parents to let him spend a month at a Youth Hostel on the Italian Riviera. In exchange for their permission, he agrees to return home, and spend the rest of the summer studying for exams in the fall. Sam does not intend to return home now that he’s “escaped” his parent’s prison. His plan is to be a long-haired hippy, hitchhiking around Italy. After not calling his parents for a few weeks, the police arrest him, after being gone for three months. Threatened with being sent to a juvenile detention center, his parents force him to go to a technical institute, where he participates in the student protests. The next summer he convinces his parents to allow him to travel again, despite failing four subjects. Eventually traveling to Amsterdam, he experiments with LSD, among other drugs.
Sam spends over forty years traveling all around the world, and the descriptive way he tells the story of his life is fantastic! He spends time in prison, meets some outrageously wild people, and has experiences the average person can’t even imagine.
Growing up in the early 70s, I can relate to his story. Although my experiences were tame compared to his, I did hitchhike across the country a few times and experimented with drugs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is too young to have been part of the “freak” movement; the story is amazing! If you were part of the experience, you will love this book as a reminder of the wild times!
Bob Ross, Vampire Hunter
Available on Amazon
Myles, the director of programming at the local public television station, is confronted by a wild man shouting that he must save all mankind. What choice does he have, but to embark on a cross-country trip that can only be described as insane? He gathers a group of employees that include a scientist, a weapons expert, a red puppet from “Pronoun Street,” and of course Bob Ross. They battle zombies, big foot (big feet?), an insane blue cookie fiend, and other assorted monsters.
If this sounds like some kind of drug induced nightmare, then I’m not explaining it very well, or am I? This is a humorous story that is a laugh-a-minute, with surprises around every corner, more fun than a barrel of clowns. Oh yeah, there are clowns too. “Distorted faces with bulbous red noses, and rainbow-colored hair, honking tiny horns.”
Hilarious, simply hilarious!
The Philip K. Dick Anthology: 18 Classic Science Fiction Stories
Available on Amazon
What an exciting collection of short stories! It’s all here; talking animals, invading aliens, a living spaceship, time travel, and much more. Phillip Dick has a way of weaving an unbelievable tale and, by the end of the story, you are completely immersed in his fantasy world. I’m not a big science fiction fan, though I do read an occasional story, and I have to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with Dick’s work. Of course, I’ve seen Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report but I didn’t realize they were film adaptations of his stories.
Amazon has a good collection of his work, all reasonably priced, some free! I’m excited about discovering this author and am glad he published a fair amount of fiction before he died. I look forward to spending many hours reading his strange and exciting adventures.
The 30 Minute Atkins Diet Expert: How to Drop Pounds and Keep Them Off
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In case you haven’t heard, the Atkins Diet has been revised and updated. The new diet is a low carbohydrate, medium protein way of eating that is gaining the attention of experts. It’s based on the theory of benign dietary ketosis, which is described as a “biochemically regulated and controlled process which results in a mild release of fatty acids and ketone bodies.” The authors claim there is a growing body of research that suggests that ketogenic diets don’t cause harmful effects and assert that the state of benign dietary ketosis is both safe and effective for most people.
If your current diet plan isn’t working or you’re looking for a new one that’ll work for you, I’d suggest taking a look at the New Atkins Diet. It’s customizable to individual preferences and can be modified for vegetarians and vegans. This book is well written and laid out in an easy-to-follow format. Before embarking on any new diet, be sure to check with your doctor or health professional.
The TickleMe Plant Book
Available on Amazon
I’d never heard of the “TickleMe” plant before, but now that I’ve read about it, I’m fascinated. As a kid, I remember having a Venus Fly Trap and spending hours watching it eat flies. The authors explain that the TickleMe plant isn’t carnivorous like the Venus Fly Trap but instead, actually provides food and pollen for insects. Everything you need to know about growing the plant is in this book. They have a website with great ideas about experiments your kids can do, growing tips, and where you can send for the seeds, TickleMePlant.com.
I think this book, along with the seeds to grow the plant, would make a great educational present for a youngster. I plan to send for the seeds to give as a birthday present, I may even buy a pack of seeds for myself.
Dragon Isle (The Legend of Vanx Malic – Book 2)
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In this book we are given more information about Vanx’s life. We find out about his mother, Amakra and his father, Captain Saint Elm, and how they died. We’re also introduced to his close friend Zeezle Croyle, a full blooded Zythian. Zeezle accompanies Vanx and the crew of the Sea Hawk on his quest to Dragon Isle for the blood of the dragon, Queen Pyra, to save Princess Gallarael. Queen Pyra, is feared by everyone and everything. She can, “hear a mouse’s heartbeat and smell a fish’s fart.” The blood will only be potent enough to save the Princess if it’s obtained when the stars are aligned with Aur.
Vanx is attacked by a dragon after saving Darbon and is left for dead in a cave while the group continues on it’s quest… or does he survive? This wonderful fantasy world and the the exciting battle of the naked, green ogres trying to get the Blood Stone is full of the gory descriptions that I’ve come to expect from Mathias.
Through the Wildwood (The Legend of Vanx Malic)
Available on Amazon
Because of his Zythian blood, Vanx appears much younger than fifty-two years old. All the women find him attractive, but when the Duke finds out he’s been sleeping with the Duchess, he’s charged with adultery and is to be sold at the slave market. But, Vanx has other plans and escapes into the Wildwood forest, where the unknown dangers strike fear in the hearts of men.
It’s an exciting journey through the forest, with poisonous flowers, half-troll creatures riding wolves, wizards, and other mysteries. Mathias will keep you entertained with his descriptive, exciting adventure.
The Wizard and the Warlord: Wardstone Trilogy Book Three
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This is the final story of an exciting trilogy. As usual, Mathias does a great job with his descriptions of this amazing fantasy world full of magical creatures. There are some new characters introduced, like Lady Telgra the beautiful elf who plays a major part in helping the humans fight evil. Though she is much older than Phen, or Marble Boy as he’s now called, is it possible she’s in love with him?
The city of Xwarda is the scene of the final battle. Abbadon, the Master Warlord vs Sir Hyden Hawk Skyler is an epic battle to end all battles. It’s fast paced and gory, just what I’ve come to expect from Mathias. He does an amazing job of tying the three stories together, reminiscing the words of the cackling fortune teller in book one to Hyden as his little brother Gerard sits beside him. “Some day, you will watch helplessly as one you love dearly attempts to destroy what the one that sits beside you is to become.”
Kings, Queens, Heroes, & Fools: The Wardstone Trilogy Book Two
Available on Amazon
I don’t want to spoil any of the surprises in the story, but I will say it’s jam-packed with epic battles and mysteries as the saga continues. As an example of one of the adventures, Hyden, with his hawkling Talon, search for the Silver Skull of Zorellin. On their journey aboard the Seawander, Hyden and his companions, Brady, Oarly the dwarf, and the young magician Phen, are forced to go ashore at Kahna Island. They journey into the Serpent’s Eye cavern, where Phen finds a treasure that eerily reminds Hyden of the horrible fate of his brother, Gerard.
This is a great, exciting story. The plot and the details of the fantasy world of epic battles and evil wizardry with dragons, giants, and pirates, are spellbinding. If you haven’t read the first book, “The Sword and the Dragon,” I’d suggest you start there. If you’ve already read that one and are trying to decide if this one is as good, in two words, it’s better!
The Streets Will Run Red – Available on Amazon
Remmy is a cold-blooded, gun-for-hire killer, working for the mob. His specialty is killing without leaving any evidence. When he’s hired to kill a dirty cop that survives, he goes to the hospital to finish the job. Things go from bad to worse and Remmy finds himself fighting for his life, being chased by the mob’s elite hit man, the German. Frank Martin is a veteran homicide detective and suspects the sudden increase of murders in the city is mob related. He’s searching for the killer, and eventually finds Remmy, but there’s a surprise twist in the story.
This is a fun, exciting read, with interesting characters and events that kept me engaged. My only complaints are at times, especially towards the end of the story, the author seemed to avoid using contractions, which gave it a clumsy feel. Also, there were some formatting errors, at least on my Kindle, starting at chapter 19. But, the story is strong enough that these problems didn’t interrupt my enjoyment.
Street Player: My Chicago Story by Danny Seraphine
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Danny Seraphine reminisces about his early life growing up in New Little Italy, Chicago, and explains how music saved his life. He was a wild kid, full of energy, and started playing drums when he was nine years old. A high school dropout and headed for a life of crime, he successfully auditioned with Jimmy Ford and the Executives, one of the hottest bands in Chicago at the time. This is when he met Terry Kath, and they became close friends. He candidly talks about Terry’s death in 1978, and how how it affected him.
Being one of the founding members of Chicago, Danny has stories about their early gigs that are amazing. I loved reading about his interactions with rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, and others. His eventual departure from the band was hard for him, and hearing his emotional description of the circumstances is heartbreaking.
This is an honest, behind the scene look at sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I’ve been a Chicago fan since the `70’s and the information Danny gives about his life and the band, is priceless. Thanks, Danny.
Change of Heart – Purchase on Amazon
When Penelope is evicted from her apartment because her roommate spent their rent money on drugs, she’s worried about where she’ll spend the night. But, after a night of wild sex with Richard and being chased by thugs, she suddenly has more important things to worry about. Like how she ended up in a walk-in freezer, drugged, tied up, and blindfolded.
The relationship between the two main characters, Penny and Rich, is constantly changing. At first he seems trustworthy, just mixed up with the wrong people. But, as the story progresses Penny discovers there’s more to him than she thought. I think the changes in his character are interesting and surprising.
This is a well written story, with an interesting plot and some hot sex scenes that are fun to read!
Soul Recovery: 12 Keys to Healing Addiction by Ester Nicholson –
Purchase on Amazon
Soul Recovery is the story of a recovering substance abuser sharing her journey that ultimately led to a new life. She created a “12-week process that takes you week by week from a place of powerlessness to a place of shining in all your glory. Takes you from a place of not knowing where you stand to standing in the absolute truth of who you are.”
As a teenager in the wild 70’s, I witnessed many lives ruined by drugs. Many of those lives might have been saved by the information in this book by Ester Nicholson. If you know anyone struggling with addiction, this book may help them.
5 Gears Diet by Diane Artene – Purchase on Amazon
“If someone wants to lose fat, the only thing that works is to eat when and for as long as you are hungry.” This information should be at the beginning of every diet book. The 5 Gears Diet compares our bodies to the engines in cars; food is the fuel that keeps them running. Do you put gas in your car when it’s full? No, you only fill it when needed.
This book will help you understand your body and what it needs to keep running. Artene explains why trying to keep track of your calorie intake is a waste of time and effort. In Chapter 13, “Low Fat Diets,” she analyzes the information about dietary fats promoted by the low-fat food industry and the pharmaceutical industry. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book and may change how you look at food forever.
If you are serious about getting healthy, this book will give you the knowledge you need to live a better lifestyle. It is full of valuable, no-nonsense information that everyone should have, whether you want to lose weight or simply improve your overall health.
LetsTans Classic: 100 Assembling Puzzles for Kindle – Purchase On Amazon
The tangram is a dissection puzzle with seven flat shapes, called tans. The objective is to form a specific shape with all seven pieces, without overlapping. According to Wikipedia, the game was invented in China and was used to evaluate a person’s intelligence.
I’ve tried the game on my 3rd generation Kindle Keyboard and my Kindle Touch and it works fine on both, but the Kindle Touch is really great because you can drag the tans around. It seems this is a great way to exercise your brain while having fun. It’s challenging and I’m using some creative problem solving while working the puzzles.
Anastasia (Volume 1 of the Ringing Cedars of Russia Series – Purchase on Amazon
Anastasia revealed everything about her body and soul to Vladimir and told him to write a book about it. This is the book he wrote. In it are Anastasia’s views, which are unlike anything I’ve ever heard. Her views on computers, flying saucers, parenting, gardening, pollution, and much more are exciting to read, and really made me think. Her natural lifestyle makes our polluted, over-crowded, over-stressed lives seem ridiculous. She’s so in tune with nature that any change in her heart rate causes a reaction in the creatures and plants around her. Which is completely different from our view of nature as an obstacle to work around.
I have to admit, I’m confused by my feelings about this book. At times while reading it, her views made perfect sense to me and helped clarify some issues I’ve had with society. Then other times, her statements seemed outrageous and I couldn’t understand her point of view. Either way, this is an fascinating story, and Anastasia’s alternative way of living is something to consider.
The Chronicles of Dragon – Available on Amazon
Nath Dragon is destined to replace his father someday but, not until he proves himself. His father banishes him and tells him not to return until he has decided if he wants to be a man or a dragon. Nath doesn’t have any scales yet, though he is 200 years old. His father tells him only to return when he has earned his scales. Nath and his dwarven companion Brenwar are seeking evil, hoping to find the dealers that trade in dragon accessories. Dragon scales, teeth, skin, claws, and horns were highly prized possessions for wealthy citizens.
This is an exciting fantasy world, with ruthless characters and bloody battles. The story is a well-written, enchanting tale that swept me along with its vivid descriptions.
Morning of the Waking Dead – Buy Now On Amazon.com
Things aren’t going very well for some of the citizens in the small village of Little Whippendon. Imagine seeing a zombie wearing an old, dirty white wedding dress, roaming the graveyard or breaking into your home. It causes quite a scene, and as soon as the LWPD (Little Whippendon Police Department) finish their lunch and card game, they’ll be looking into it. If that’s not bad enough, imagine how Zelda feels, when she wakes up to find herself trapped in a coffin. She goes to people’s homes for help, but no one understands her and runs away. Everyone except… but I’ll let you find that out for yourself.
This is a fun, quick read that I found very enjoyable. There are some hilarious lines that had me laughing out loud.
Sphynx Cats Make Great Pets by Daffodil Kelly – Purchase on Amazon
If you’re thinking about getting a Sphynx cat, the information in this book will be invaluable to you. It will guide you through the necessary steps of finding a reputable breeder and providing care for your pet. Although the information is aimed at those interested in a Sphynx cat, much of it applies to any type of pet. This book covers topics like getting your home ready for your new pet, providing medical care, tips on training your cat, and other information on cats in general.
I really enjoyed the chapters on how to train a cat. It includes a step-by-step procedure for training your cat to use the toilet. Imagine the money you’d save on kitty litter! The book also includes information on how to determine if it’s time to think about end-of-life care.
As a cat owner, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has an amazing amount of information. It’s well written by someone who is knowledgeable and evidently loves cats.
My Bipolar World by Sylvia Meier – Available on Amazon
In “My Bipolar World” Sylvia shares her personal experience of living with bipolar disorder. Her insightful information on the symptoms of the disorder and the descriptions of the mood swings are very clear and easy to understand. She explains how, by using proper techniques and coping mechanisms, combined with patience and practice, she lives a healthy, happy, well-regulated life.
Whether you have the disorder and want to learn ways to improve their quality of life, or you’re seeking information to help someone with the disorder, this book will be invaluable to you. It includes a wide range of information on what to expect on your first doctor visit, using psychotherapy to track the patterns of the episodes, dealing with the side effects of the medications, and much more.
CounterPoint by D.J.R. – Buy on Amazon
In CounterPoint, R.D.J. sets up an elaborate world and explains the “Human Experiment,” describing how the angels are the caretakers of the world. From the names of the departments, who runs them, and what their specific jobs are, he furnishes plenty of details to make this world seem plausible. Forget about angels floating on clouds and playing beautiful music on their harps, these are powerful, deadly soldiers.
This is the final conflict of good vs evil, and could possibly be the end of humanity. After the suspicious death of one of the Archangels, and some of his devoted followers, a group of angels question the war against evil and plan to rebel. The angels are ordered to find the Bassett family and to secure them in a safe place. But, when a gigantic Behemoth is released on London the angels are surprised by the strength of the leader of the family and question their orders. They realize the Bassett’s have special powers and are prepared to fight the demons, ancient creatures, and even angels to save humanity.
I was amazed by the complexity of this fantasy world, and how easy it was to get wrapped up in it. The descriptions of the battle scenes are great and really grab your attention.
Saltwater Kisses – Buy on Amazon
Emma is from a small town in Iowa and wants to be a veterinarian. Jack is a billionaire, lives in New York and will be taking over his father’s business. Their lives couldn’t be any more different. But, when they meet and spend some time together, they find out they have a lot in common. Emma goes to New York and is thrown into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. She can have anything she wants, except to live a normal life with the man she loves.
This is a fun story and to read, with some pretty hot sex scenes. There are some grammatical and spelling errors, but not enough to take away from the storyline. If you’re looking for something to read this summer, this would be a great choice.
Couch Potato Politics – Purchase on Amazon
Mark Pryor asserts he has never come across a book about the U.S., its politics, or its society which he could identify with. So, he decided to write his own book to see if anyone identifies with him. He considers himself a true moderate: Socially liberal, yet fiscally conservative.
He suggests that we get the majority of our information from the news and other biased sources instead of doing our own research. We are only concerned when an issue impacts us personally, and don’t often communicate our concerns with our politicians. We depend on the media to tell us what we should care about. This is the condition that Mr Prior identifies as the political couch potato.
What is the remedy? Mr Prior gives concrete steps on what we all can do to be more informed participants in our government. His suggestions will help you get organized and stay focused on the issues that are important to you. Whether you agree with his political views or not, I think everyone can agree with Prior’s argument that we need to be more responsible citizens. This really helped me understand the mess our country is in, and what we can do about it.
Space Games – Available on Amazon
I’ve often wondered what reality TV would be like in the future. Will everyone eventually get bored of it and quit watching when they run out of ideas? According to this story, that won’t happen. Space Games is a reality show to beat all reality shows. Set in the year 2034 aboard a space station, two contestants choose from a list of events to compete in. It’s the battle-of-the-sexes with very few rules. Joe and Robin fight their way to a multimillion-dollar prize while being watched by millions of viewers on Earth.
I thought this was a great concept for a story and was pleased that it was entertaining, and well written. The characters are well developed and the author goes to great lengths to make it seem real, and allows your imagination to fill in the blanks. Like when Robin sneaks into Joe’s bathroom and closes the door so the cameras can’t see what she does. Great fun! I highly recommend it!
The Sword and the Dragon – Available on Amazon
I was drawn in by the characters in this story and the details of their lives, and before long I became a part of their adventures. When Gerard found the ring while climbing for hawkling eggs, I felt Hyden’s anxiety that his brother wouldn’t make it down before nightfall. I was in the Summer’s Day festival, watching “The Brawl” and worried that more of the stands would soon collapse. I hated Pael the wizard, and how he treated Glendar and was hoping his evil plans would fail.
This is a complete world. From giant lizards and dragons, to people falling in love, it’s all there. Many times I’ve read stories and had problems with how things were laid out and felt things were left incomplete. I didn’t feel that way about “The Sword and the Dragon.” It’s an amazingly complex story, with lives and adventures intertwined in a way that is mind boggling. I’ll be reading more of this series.
Alice in Wonderland: The Vampire Slayer – Buy on Amazon
When sixteen year old Alice sees a White Rabbit and a fifteen foot tall vampire pop down a large rabbit-hole, her first instinct is to follow them. What she finds is a collection of familiar characters from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” including the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and more. She finds herself in a predicament because of her size, with the familiar “Eat Me” and “Drink Me” options. But all isn’t what it seems in this version of Wonderland. Some of the creatures are Halflings, which comes from drinking vampire blood, and some of the creatures are really… Well, I’m not going to tell you and ruin the surprise! Suffice it to say that Alice should be concerned with other things than the ravings of the Blood Queen’s, “Off with their head!”
This was a fun story, and I quickly found myself immersed in the adventure with Alice, “the strongest vampire slayer in all the land.”
The Amazing Stories of Tom in Thailand – Buy on Amazon
In July 2012, the author began a three month whirlwind adventure in Thailand. This is an account written from a journal he kept while living in Chiang Mai, a city in the northern part of the country.
He discloses that his marriage was ending and he’d gone a while without sex, something he immediately changed when arriving in Thailand, since prostitution is practiced openly throughout the country. He took full advantage of his opportunities and tastefully describes numerous accounts of his encounters. His descriptions of the “lady bars,” and his explanation of how to have a working girl go back to your room, makes for a fun read. This exciting story of one night stands turns into a romantic love story when the author eventually falls in love with a young girl, Joon. I’m looking forward to the sequel. I’m curious to see if their relationship continues when he returns to Thailand.
The book includes tips on which airline to use, where to stay, and even a link to a free sample of a course to learn Thai. Visiting Thailand hasn’t been something I’ve considered, until now. The pictures and descriptions of the “Land of Smiles,” and the lovely people, has caused me to place it on my list of countries to visit. This story is well-written and was hard to put down. I highly recommend it.
Love and other poems by Astoria Nickerson – Purchase on Amazon
This is a collection of seventeen short love poems that are declarations of God and love. Although they are religious based, the theme of love applies to life in general.
Here is an excerpt from “The Answer is Love”
“Love is the answer
To every question ever asked
To every wound, this too shall pass
Love is the answer
To every crime ever wrought
To every hurt sin has brought
Love is the answer”
I’m not a religious person, but I enjoyed the writing of someone obviously very much in love.
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere – Available on Amazon
“Dragon’s” family were members of the TC Triad and were major suppliers of opium in China. Each generation of the family would alternate between running the supply routes and expanding the territory. Dragon’s destiny was to travel to North America and find the hidden treasure his Great-Grandfather “Tiger” had found in the late 1800’s. “Tiger” had sent the family a cryptic riddle about the wealth he’d found in Jackfish, and “Dragon” was determined to find it. Jackfish was originally a Scandinavian fishing village on Lake Superior, but now is and old, abandoned ghost town.
This story alternates between the past, when Tiger was working on the rail-road crew before the town was built, and the present, with the story of Dragon’s search for the treasure. The only thing stopping Dragon from recovering the treasure is Phil and April. Phil is an ex-cop who moved from the city to escape his past. All he wants is to be left alone and live a peaceful life, co-existing with nature. April is one of the local cops and when she finds out someone is living in the hills near Jackfish, it’s her duty to look into it.
Tiger and his men are in the process of retrieving the treasure and they perceive Phil and April as a threat. A bloody gunfight ensues. The excitement of the events and the descriptions of the characters pulled me into this tale. It’s very well written and the plot kept me engaged through the whole story.
Lightworking With Angels Book 1 – Available on Amazon
The author states her goals for this book are to introduce the reader to the Archangels, show you their role in the universe, and explain how the Archangels can help you in your daily life. At the beginning of each chapter is an Angelic Invocation, which is an invitation to the Angels to be with you. She explains the Angelic Realm and how it extends outwards in three Angelic circles or bands, which contain the three Orders of Angels and denote Angelic hierarchy.
Have you ever felt that you had a Guardian Angel? Ros explains how one was present at your birth and will remain with you until you pass over to Heaven. Its primary role is to keep you safe from harm and to guide you towards a life filled with Love. Isn’t that a lovely thought?
Ros introduces you to Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Chamuel, Zadkiel, and Metatron, explaining how each is limitlessly powerful, and how each of them have their own area of Angelic specialism and Divine Purpose.
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking information on spiritual enlightenment or looking to strengthen their relationship with the Archangels. Visit the author’s website: Angels with Ros
How to Write a Novel in 90 Days by Conrad Jones- Purchase on Amazon
Following the step-by-step guide in this book will save you hours of time and help you avoid common pit-falls. The wide range of topics covered include, building an online community, punctuation and grammar tips, and exercises to help you with your writing. Each chapter ends with a helpful summary to recap the information given. I really wish a table of contents would have been provided, as a lot of the information I will be re-reading in the future. I think anyone planning to start writing a novel, or having difficulty finishing one they’ve already started, will benefit greatly from this book.
Stark Warning by James Raven – Purchase on Amazon
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Quinn is married to a British actress and is part of the privileged elite. When Scotland Yard sets up a serial killer task force to find “The Celebrity Killer,” they decide Sam would be the perfect person to lead it. When an event happens that turns his life upside down, he finds himself headed down an old, familiar and destructive path.
This is an exciting crime novel with unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed reading it and will be checking out some of the authors other books.
81 BBQ Chicken Recipes: My Best Barbeque & Grilled Chicken Cookbook – Golden Recipe Collection – Buy on Amazon
Who doesn’t love barbequed chicken? I grill at least once a week during the summer, and the majority of the time I cook chicken. So, I’m always looking for new recipes to try out. I was delighted to find this cookbook.
So far I’ve tried the “Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts,” “Grilled Chicken Breasts With Ginger and Soy,” and the “Blackened Cinnamon Chicken.” They’re great! This weekend I plan to try the “Grilled Chicken With Moroccan Spices,” it sounds delicious.
Some of the recipes require that you marinate overnight, so they take a little advance preparation, but a lot of them are quick and easy.
The hardest part is deciding which one you’re going to try!
If you like barbequed chicken, you need this book. Get out and grill!
Other People’s Closets: A Sympathetic Guide for People Struggling With Their Sexuality – Buy on Amazon
The path to self awareness can be challenging and the realization that there are steps you can take to help make the journey less difficult are invaluable. This book shares powerful information for anyone navigating the difficult path toward sexual maturity. It seems to me that a lot of people would benefit from this book’s compassionate advice and support. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to understand one’s sexuality, especially with the added layer of being gay.
Quexistence: The Quest for the Meaning of Existence: TIME DREAMS – Buy on Amazon
“They encompass all Time.” “They exist in the space of a dream.” These quotes are from the book and I thought they might help to explain the concept of the story.
Basically, Gork volunteers to help on an archaeological dig where he meets Charlie and finds a secret cave into the past. Aliens have created creatures in their likeness to inhabit the planet and given them free will, which is your ability to think your own thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey this story takes you on. It’s well-written and gave me something to think about. If you’ve ever wondered why we’re here and how we got here, you’ll love this book. I did, and I highly recommend it!
Of Hearts and Stars – Purchase on Amazon
This story, set in the year 20xx, takes you on an adventure with well-rounded characters and an exciting plot. It’s easy to follow and be a part of the action, mostly because the main character, Leoric Swift, is very likeable and believable. His quest to stop an alien race from creating havoc in the galaxy will keep you engrossed.
This is the author’s first published work and would have benefited from a professional edit. Some of the grammar is unsteady but not enough to be distracting.
I’m sure we’ll be seeing more by Edward West, and I look forward to it.
Stack Silver Get Gold – How to Buy Gold and Silver Bullion without Getting Ripped Off! Available on Amazon
If you’ve wanted to get started in collecting gold and silver, but needed more information, then this is the book for you. The author worked for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for seven years and shares a lot of inside information. He explains why gold and silver is a good investment, discusses the different types to invest in, which types to stay away from, and even where to store it.
There’s a “suggested resources” chapter that has a list of books for further reading, information about a strategic investment group, and a list of investing services websites. This information is worth the cost of the book and I’m sure you’ll find invaluable, I know I have!
LinkedIn for Business available on Amazon
The author of this book, Brian Carter, is an Internet marketing expert. He begins by discussing the history of LinkedIn and its role in sales and marketing for your business. He provides information and tips on creating a powerful LinkedIn profile, company page, adding groups, and more.
The book then goes on to discuss using LinkedIn for marketing your business, stating that “LinkedIn marketing isn’t as hot as Facebook, but for business-to-business companies engaging in social media marketing, it has become the mainstay.” He explains how 15 principals from Internet marketing apply to LinkedIn, and how their integration into your everyday marketing strategy can give your company a competitive advantage.
There is information on incorporating your Facebook and Twitter feeds, using apps to embed SlideShare presentations, and incorporating your WordPress blog. This is only a small part of the information available in this book.
I recommend it to anyone planning to use LinkedIn as a marketing strategy, or just wanting a better understanding of LinkedIn.
Lead: Like a Boss, available on Amazon
If you’ve rec
ently been promoted to a management position and are looking to improve your leadership skills, this book will be invaluable to you. It includes great leadership strategies and insightful stories of famous leaders including Steve Jobs, Oprah, Lady Di and others.
Anyone with the ambition to advance in their organization should read this. The authors provide you with the necessary information that will enable you to succeed in many leadership challenges.
Some of the information I’ve read before, but it’s great to have it all in one collection.
Time Killer by Todd Thiede
Everything Will Be Alright by Douglas Wallace
Dystopia by Janet McNulty
Over the Rim by Ripley Patton
The Vampire Requiem by Charmain Marie Mitchell
It
by Stephen King
Review of It by Stephen King on WikiNut.com
Bag of Bones
By Stephen King
Here’s a review of Bag of Bones on JustBookReading.com
Wrong Place Wrong Time
by David P Perlmutter
This is a true story about how being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making a few bad decisions can be disastrous. When Dave is arrested for drunk driving and loses his job, along with the BMW that went with it, he decides to spend the summer in Spain, to re-evaluate his life.
Post by Jim Liston Sept. 8
Jimsgotweb is listed in the
Mystery and Crime Fiction Carnival
Box by John Locke
“I kill other doctor’s patients,” said Dr. Gideon Box, the top Cardiothoracic pediatric surgeon in the world. Dr. Box takes his psychiatrist’s advice and joins a dating service. She told him to seek women from small towns because they would be less shallow and self-centered then the women he’d been dating in Manhattan.
Under the Dome by Stephen King
When an invisible barrier suddenly surrounds the town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, the people are imprisoned there and become involved in a scheme that includes drugs and murder.
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Jake goes through a portal and travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination. Will he be able to change the course of history, and should he?
The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
Anyone that has read the Dark Tower series will love this journey back to Mid-World where Roland, as a young gunslinger, is sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape-shifter.
Mile 81 by Stephen King
What in the hell is going on at the boarded up rest stop at mile marker 81 on the Maine Turnpike? Not much, a little underage drinking, adolescent curiosity, terror, and murder!
UR by Stephen King
When Wesley Smith gets his new Kindle he gets a little more than he bargained for. The stories that are available on his ebook can’t be real, or can they?
Red Church by Scott Nicholson
When Tim and his older brother Ronnie discover something in the old graveyard next to the red church they are in for the adventure of their lives!
A Son Of The Circus by John Irving
Dr. Daruwalla is a doctor in Bombay with unusual interests, seeking a genetic marker for dwarfism, and secretly writing screenplays for the popular Inspector Dhar movies. He finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation and helping his friend, Inspector Dhar, deal with with death threats.
The Dinosaur Diaries and Other Tales Across Space & Time
by Scott William Carter
17 short stories that have appeared in other magazines and Tommy Top Hat, which is original to this collection. This is a great collection of stories that are each different and unique. Shatterboy is about a boy found in the glass recycling bin and the life he has with his new mother. The World in Primary Colors is a really touching story about a father and his daughter and how his life is changed by her.
Containment by Christian Cantrell
Arik has never been to Earth, his home is on the planet Venus. He is among a group of 1,100 people that live in a completely self-contained environment with specialized jobs. When he is debugging a computer error he realizes it is a coded message that was sent by him. Understanding what the message means causes him to doubt everything he has come to believe.
Flowers by Scott Nicholson
This is a collection of 10 short stories that will keep you reading all night. Including “The Vampire Shortstop” about a little league team in the future where vampires have been granted equal opportunity by the 43rd Amendment. And about Billy, “The Boy Who Saw Fire” who one day would follow in his father’s footsteps and stop the sun from killing us all.
I’ll be adding a book review soon, check back.