My take on mysteries

Okay lately if you have been following my book reviews over on booklikes you can see that I have been reading a lot of mysteries. I like the ones that have a touch of fun in them. Be it a witch using her wonky magic to figure out who committed the crime, or a talented older gentleman with a twitchy mustache and a cat with 60 whiskers or a young woman who runs a vintage clothing store. All of these tales have a bit of fun and a lot of mystery.

I have heard a number of people who seem to have trouble with this. Like that a lighter mystery should not be written, that they should all be dark procedural type stories. Well I disagree of course. I totally enjoy reading things that are just off the beaten path, so to speak. In a world that is rather dark lately i is nice ot be able to read something a wee bit lighter.

If you are wondering what I am talking about well go over to my book review blog

http://sutekowriter.booklikes.com/

I have reviewed both new and old books, traditionally published and indie, paperback/hardcover and ebooks. It is a bit of a cross section of what I read obviously. We, as readers, need to try to read lots of different types of books and in today's world we have so many choices. Don't decide something isn't worth reading just because it is not in your favorite genres or is not trad or indie. You need to keep an open mind.

I don't have a short story review for you this week so I will do a few pics. With all the trouble lately with people posting images I think maybe I should stick to posting images of my own

Okay these are oldies for me. I drew them a long time ago and they are characters from my stories...mostly...that blonde one I am not sure who she is yet. Next week I will probably just toss up a few images of critters, who knows right?

And just for a bit of fun how about a nice drabble to end this blog?

Giving a lift to a friend.

I gave a lift to my slow friend yet all he did was tell me to slow down. He needed to be at the altar by the time the sun was lowering to the ground, but still he thought I was moving too fast. Really? Me, going too fast? A tortoise I am and proud of it. Just because he is a snail doesn’t mean he can tell me I am going too fast. I mean come on! His brother raced past us just this morning. I told him that I would get him there on time, and I will. 

(Yeah I know it isn't mine but it is funny!)

Been doinga bit of reading...or how about some book reviews

Being a good reader takes a lot of time away from being a really good writer. So many books and so little time after all.  Lucky for me I am a fast reader right?

This past week I have discovered the fun books by Annette Blair.  so far they are all set in New England, my old stomping grounds.  They are fun, fast reads with flirty characters, steamy sex and oh yeah...witches.

Now I have had issues before with how witches are portrayed in fiction.  I have ranted about it but this time I won't.  The lovely ladies in Ms Blair's books are pretty much how I would love to see witches done.  Sassy, smart and working at helping the world around them.

The first one I read was Sex and the Psychic Witch.  This is a fun new take on the paranormal romance category. Mostly light in tone, the novel is a fun, fast read.  This author is is definitely one to follow.

Next came the Scot, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  Another fun romp by Ms Blair.  Magic, dreams, a curse and an unexpected family reunion make this lighter hearted story worth reading.  While at times the heroine seems too stubborn to be real and the story moves a little fast, this tale has all the classics needed fora fun paranormal romance.  Well worth the read.

Finally I have finished up a third is My Favorite Witch. Continuing with her witches series this lovely book has all the classic things needed fora good romance.  A hunky guy, a beautiful woman who thinks she isn't, tension, sex and a happy ending.  Throw in adorable kids, talking crows and a deaf kitten and what more could you ask for?

Alphabetical reviews...or...okay I am not sure what I have done all ready!

Today I am a bit sleepy.  Could be all the work I have done on my novel in process, could be waking up at 4am and not going back to sleep really, you never know.  So how about I just post up reviews, by title, in alphabetical order?  These are ones I put up on amazon, so you can find these fun reads no trouble.  In the letter A I have nine...so here you go!

A Fairy for Bin Laden
       
A Fairy for Bin Laden
Price: $0.99
       

5.0 out of 5 stars very different fairy tale, July 13, 2012
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Fairy for Bin Laden (Kindle Edition)
Now this was fun. A bit raw, a bit raunchy but an interesting take on Tinkerbell and on the SEALS. Loved this little bit. Definitely a fun fast read. get it, read it, review it. A talent in the making!

A Secret Rage
       
A Secret Rage
Offered by Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Price: $5.99
       

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything old is new, December 16, 2013
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Secret Rage (Kindle Edition)
After becoming a huge fan of Ms Harris' paranormal novels I really had to read everything I could find.

This novel is a simple gothic told in her style. It has little bit of southernisms that you expect from this multitalented author. The characters are crisp and intelligent and strong. The dark theme of rape and its effect on the women who suffer it is handled cleanly and well. Being set in the deep south like most of her novels this tale shows us the different ways that subcultures within our own deal with the victim.

I was actually both surprised and happy at how she dealt with the climax of this story. Well the subject matter is dark this novel left me feeling content.

A Three-Dog Night
      
A Three-Dog Night
Price: $0.99
      

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars two out of three, July 9, 2012
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Three-Dog Night (Kindle Edition)
I liked this set of tales. Short and to the point..the only one I had issues with was the final one...it seemed rushed...otherwise solid little tales

 A Wicked Deception
       
A Wicked Deception
Price: $2.99
       

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Love in the times the Australian gold rush, November 3, 2013
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Wicked Deception (Kindle Edition)
Readers of historical romances generally find stories set either in the wild west of the United States or in Britain. This lovely tale is set for a large part in Australia. With the detail Ms Tanner added the story comes alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of that wild land. She teaches you a bit of history while telling a tale of love, betrayal and classism.

While at times you want to take her heroine and shake her soundly for the pure silly innocence she has, you come to care for the characters. You feel sadness at the loses they survive and happiness at the neat ending to the tale. A good read for a lazy afternoon.

Adventures of a Southern Girl
       
Adventures of a Southern Girl
Price: $3.00
       

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Adventures in life, January 18, 2013
   
This review is from: Adventures of a Southern Girl (Kindle Edition)
These stories are a bite out of a full life, little things that make you smile and nod. In a few places they could be tightened up to flow better but they have a great charm to them. As you move through the stories they get better. Going from a bit awkward to a smooth and heart touching flow. They author needs to write more. She gives an insight into a way of life that in the 21st century isn't seen as much. The travel stories are funny but the family stories are strong and at time gripping. And the poem she included was very strong as were the studies of nature in all her glory. Looking forward to more.

 Aftermath and Other Zombie Shorts
      
Aftermath and Other Zombie Shorts
Price: $0.99
      

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A trio of zombie fun, November 3, 2013
  
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Aftermath and Other Zombie Shorts (Kindle Edition)
An interesting trio of stories. Well written especially considering English is not Mr Stark's first language. My favorite is the Zombie Cab story. Felt like reading an old twilight zone story. Well done. The only quibble I have with these tales is the author putting himself into the third story. If he had used a different name for the main character this book would have rated five stars from me. Well worth the money and the reading time.

 Alice in the Country of Hearts, Vol. 2
      
Alice in the Country of Hearts, Vol. 2
by Soumei Hoshino
Edition: Paperback
      
41 used & new from $0.01

5.0 out of 5 stars Alice in wonderland japanese style, April 19, 2010
  
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Alice in the Country of Hearts, Vol. 2 (Paperback)
Okay right now there seems to be a big demand for everything Alice and this little manga is a good one. Obviously written in a harem style with beautiful male characters all trying to win the heart of the heroine. Some violence makes this a read not for the younger set. I would recommend teens and adults like me.

         
Amor Maldito: Romantic Tragedies from Tejano Folklore
      
Amor Maldito: Romantic Tragedies from Tejano Folklore
Price: $0.99
      

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Three interesting tales told, September 15, 2013
  
This review is from: Amor Maldito: Romantic Tragedies from Tejano Folklore (Kindle Edition)
When I read these three tales at first I was a little confused. These romantic ghost stories are from a culture that I don't know much about but as I read them I found myself transported. I could see the young people in these tales walking into their fates like I was watching a movie. Well told stories that just need a tweak here and there to help the flow but otherwise this is a grand set of stories. Perfect for a dark and chilly night.

 Ancient Futures
      
Ancient Futures
Price: $2.99
      

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars A good tale in need of tender loving care, July 19, 2012
  
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ancient Futures (Kindle Edition)
I'm gonna review this honestly and what I have to say is it wont be all flowers and nice. It needs some serious work. Flashes of brilliance are surrounded by a lot of sections needing a heavy editing hand in this tale. Gilmar was beautifully written and in parts watching Ramiles grow was very moving but it needs work on pacing, spelling and well..over all feel. I can't give it more than a three, it really should get two and a half but I will give it three since it is a complete story, if one in need of work. I got through it...which is better than some other stuff I have been handed to read lately. Ir does have good characters and an interesting world. The whole end of days feel to this story is good but we need the pacing to match all the way through. With the revisions done I could see this getting better reviews all around.

Now I have posted some of these before but  you can never put up reviews enough.  Writers work very hard and they need all the pushes they can get.  Hope you find something you want to read here.

More book reviews for your reading pleasure...or what is she reading now?

Yup another Monday has rolled forward and I have reviews for you to read of books that you can take a chance on.  Nothing like finding something different, something odd and something cheap at the same time right?

Yes I am always looking for a bargain.  As I have yet to make a living at being a writer (Okay I haven't made more than a few dollars so far but we won't go into that) so feeding my overwhelming addiction to the written word is hard.  When amazon sent out the email to everyone who had bought books from certain big name publishers, well I was happy as all heck.  I picked up first of course a book from a friend writer and read through it in a day.  Yes I do that.  I read way too fast but that is not what I plan on reviewing here!

I then sat back and decided it was time to read and review more of the books i took a chance on when they were free.  The first is:

Magenta Shaman by Lily Childs
Magenta Shaman

Now I haven't posted this review yet on Amazon but I plan to soon.

While this is a short story, it is a pretty intense one  With plenty of detailed description, you get a true feel to these characters.  As an introduction you are given what you need to see that this world will be unfolding into a complex one.  With strong characters, tension, action and a lot of rich story telling, why not try it out?

Next is:

Stray by Rachel Vincent
Stray

Another in the series of strong female leads that have been so popular right now.  Fayth is something different, she is a were cat.

Like all modern women she just wants to live her life the way she chooses.  There is one problem though, as a werecat tabby, she is a rare and precious thing.

When a strange tom tries to attack her, she kicks backside but is hauled home by her father's order.  And we have the beginning of a great tale.

Evil strays bent on taking the rare tabbies and an overwhelming attraction to an enforcer gives us a great lead into a new series.  Well worth reading.

and finally we have:

Killer in Sight (A Tom Lackey Mystery)
Killer in Sight
Price: $4.78
       

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice little mystery, July 29, 2012
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Killer in Sight (A Tom Lackey Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
With lots of possible suspects, twists and turns and a touch of the otherworldly this story is a great read. There were a couple of formatting issues but they really didn't detract from the story being told. I was intrigued by the iriology and the idea of capturing the last image seen by dead eyes. While I am sure that it is something this author invented I think it would be a great tool for those trying to solve crimes. I would say get this tale and sit back for a fun ride.

Have fun reading folks!

Reading and reviewing, like PB and Jelly...best together

Okay I know a writer talking about reviewing is considered a bad thing lately.  Yes I have put up my reviews before and I will continue to do so.  But I thought why not take a few of my reviews for books that i bet you would not think about reading?

The great and current debate about free or low costs books is still dragging on and on.  Trolls are all over writers who say anything online and some readers are convinced that writers can not review a book in their own genre objectively.  Like almost every writer out there I was reading long before I set pencil/pen to paper or my fingers on a keyboard.  Reading is both a joy and frustrating at the same time.  Too often we are subjected to what the big marketing sources think we need to read. 

As an indie author I am of course suspect when I write a review for anything.  I love to read, have in fact spent way too much time reading when I should be doing things like writing, cooking, cleaning or heck playing with the kids.  I love getting lost in a story.  Love the taste, the smell and the feel that comes to a well written story.  Yes they have all of the above.

Now there are some fun little subgenres out there if you look.  Fantasy is of course the truest path to my heart but like any of the all encompassing genres there is are lot of sub catagories popping up every day.  Some of the tales i have discovered as free offerings by the writers on places like Amazon and Smashwords are as good or even better than the mainstream well advertized and paid works out there.  here are a just a few that I have really enjoyed in the past couple of years.

***

A Fairy for Bin Laden
A Fairy for Bin Ladin       
A Fairy for Bin Laden
Price: $0.99
       

5.0 out of 5 stars very different fairy tale, July 13, 2012
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Fairy for Bin Laden (Kindle Edition)
Now this was fun. A bit raw, a bit raunchy but an interesting take on Tinkerbell and on the SEALS. Loved this little bit. Definitely a fun fast read. get it, read it, review it. A talent in the making!

***

Just a funky and fun take on Tinkerbelle for sure.

***

Eros, Philia, Agape: A Tor.Com Original
Eros, Philia, Agape       
Eros, Philia, Agape: A Tor.Com Original
Offered by Macmillan
Price: $0.99
       

3.0 out of 5 stars interesting, July 11, 2012
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Eros, Philia, Agape: A Tor.Com Original (Kindle Edition)
This little tale was an interesting take on relationships. While it feels unfinished the emotions of all three are powerful. The most poignant being little Rose with her four year old confusion.

***
Truly and odd yet highly interesting tale
***

Slave to Marshmallows: A Steampunk Novella in Three Parts
Slave to Marshmallows       
Slave to Marshmallows: A Steampunk Novella in Three Parts
Price: $2.99
       

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars quirky fun, January 23, 2013
   
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Slave to Marshmallows: A Steampunk Novella in Three Parts (Kindle Edition)
This short little tale is odd but interesting. I picked it up because the title intrigued me and now i am glad I did. This little tale is told from the viewpoint of a child who doesn't even realize she is one. Forced to work in a factory browning marshmallows to be sold to rich people. It is quirky and odd and something new in story telling. Like the title says, a steampunk Fairy tale. Read it folks. It is fun.

***
Another faery tale with a total twist.  These stories all have in common that they were offered for free at one point and I took a chance on them.  I have many more I have read and have yet to catch up on reviewing.  The nice thing about the web is you can find my reviews all over.

Another author and blogger asked me to send to her some reviews for her blog.  I sent her eleven to start and she put up seven of them here.
Reviews Galore

I sent her reviews on a number of genres since I had no idea what she wanted.  But as you can see you can read, enjoy and review books from all over.  It doesn't matter of you are a reader or a writer or both.  What you need to do is read those books and then tell the world what you think.  Just be sure of one thing folks, you don't need to be nasty or cruel.  You are reviewing a book.  The writer is offering up the child of their mind and heart to you and just like you would not like someone trashing the child of your body, don't trash the child of their mind.  If you really don't like it...say it but say it politely and why you don't like it.  Don't attack the writer, who is simply trying to give you a moment or more of freedom from the real world.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all my favorite people! I hope you have lots of love, food, laughter, food, fun and of course food today! May your pants be comfy, your turkey be moist and the fixings be filling. May laughter ring through your halls and may you feel the love you all deserve.

As always I have a nice review for you all to look over.

		Novel Ideas Price: $4.99
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful Yes one person can make a difference, February 5, 2013 This review is from: Novel Ideas (Kindle Edition) This book starts out almost like a modern day family drama but as you get into it you realize we are reading the future. Not as we hope it will be but the way it could be if bad things happen. Not bad enough for war but how one ideology can go wrong and still think it is protecting the people. The heart of this story is a relationship, that between a grandfather and his granddaughter. The incredibly prolific writer who becomes a recluse is almost cliche now a days but having an unknown child come into his life and change it and him is so worth reading. You come to care for these two character and the cast of secondary characters around them. While you might not agree with where the author took America and the rest of the world the story is very well written and the characters are enchanting. A fine read for a cold day.

An odd yet highly interesting tale from down under

As you can tell if you follow my blogs, I read a lot.  I don't just read one type of story or one genre.  The best thing about being online like I have been is that you get introduced to a lot of writers.  In most cases these are writers who have yet to make a huge mark on the reading public.  I hope that those i have featured here will gather more readers because they are really good. 

Today I thought I would put up my review of Jo Robinson.  She is a very nice lady who has worked on a number of the anthologies I have been a part of.  This review is of one of her stand alone works.

		Fly Birdie Price: $0.99
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful A sweet story of transformation, September 27, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fly Birdie (Kindle Edition) When I started to read this I was convinced this character was lost, living in a place she did not understand. As the story unfolded the characters brought in started to change the heroine. From a sad, frightened woman she grew strong and loving. The care she lavished on the bird was sweet and wonderful. A great read.

Today's reviews are for a true animal lover

Rebecca Stroud writes deep little books that have a common thread, animals.  She is a tireless advocate for the care and rights of animals.  These books are well worth your time to stop and read.

		Devil's Moon Price: $2.99
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful Oh my word!, September 14, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Devil's Moon (Kindle Edition) I picked this up on a free promo and now i wish I had paid full price! This is one amazingly good story. In turns Rebecca had me laughing and crying. Devil is such a wonderful dog. Big and sweet and loyal. Just like he should be. Bambi, the villain of the piece, got what she deserved in the end. Yes it is sad to see a woman descend like she did but what she did to Devil and to Jane was wrong. I loved the relationship between Jane and Sam, the growing relationships between Jane and Danny and Danny and Lisa. I highly recommend this book. Not just to dog lovers but to all readers who want something that has depth and love and understanding, mystery and suspense. This is going on my favorite to be read over and over list for sure.

A Three-Dog Night Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful two out of three, July 9, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: A Three-Dog Night (Kindle Edition) I liked this set of tales. Short and to the point..the only one I had issues with was the final one...it seemed rushed...otherwise solid little tales     Zellwood: A Dog Story Price: $0.99 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful joyful tears, July 9, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Zellwood: A Dog Story (Kindle Edition) This was sweet and touching. While my Loki was a cat and died nearly a decade ago it brought tears to my eyes in memory. Very well written!

A Rising star in Science fiction thillers

Jade Kerrion is a writer that has written some very intense novels.  I eagerly look forward to each new release she puts out and I have enjoyed them all so far.  As you can see by the reviews below:

		Earth-Sim Price: $2.99
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful And are they gods?, February 4, 2013 This review is from: Earth-Sim (Kindle Edition) Ms Kerrion has done it again. Another story that grips you from the start and makes you sit and read it in one sitting. This story starts out as a science fictiony college class story but quickly you come to realize that the world they are developing is one you recognize very well. The development of the planet through its stages is a fine back drop to the development between the two main characters of this story. The heroine Jem is much deeper than she seems and the more you learn about her the more I think many will like her. This story is closer to a YA than the rest of her work but it is light and good and has some depth that makes it great reading for adults. Once more, she knocked it out of the park!

Perfect Weapon (Book 3 of the Double Helix series) Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Even stronger than the last, January 28, 2013 This review is from: Perfect Weapon (Book 3 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) This series gets stronger and stronger with each book. The action is hard and fast paced and the characters are rich and draw you in. Yet again I find myself almost in tears at the things done to the hero of this series. Jade draws you in and makes you pray that this time someone will save him and understand him. His physical twin Galahad is outwardly what every woman would want but inwardly he never got a chance to grow understanding. I can't wait for the next installment which will hopefully be easier on poor Danyeal. The pain and emotional agony of this one character shows just how cruel and down right rotten most people are. That they rarely look into the eyes of those they despise to see the real person inside. Another amazing work of fiction. Lets get the next one out soon!   Perfect Betrayal (Book 2 of the Double Helix series) Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful One nasty betrayal, January 28, 2013 This review is from: Perfect Betrayal (Book 2 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) The author has done it again. I read through this book in one sitting this morning and I can't wait to read the third book now. The main character Danyeal has so much to give yet everyone seems to take their fears out on him. He is a healer of unparallelled ability and yes has the same ability to hurt but refuses to use it. His shields cause most to have terrible reactions to him and just when you think he has one friend the author strips him away too. While the cruelty to this character is heart wrenching it is also compelling. Jade has made a book that you have to read and makes you want to pick up that third book once you put this one down. Very very talented author deserving more than five stars for sure.     Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series) Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful The start of something amazing, January 24, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series) (Kindle Edition) Genetic manipulation, clones and mutants abound in this the first book of this series. We get the full range of scum and villainy and the heartbreakingly honest and clean heroes. As I read this book I keep wanting to cry at all the horrendous things that had been done to Danyeal. The more I got into the novel the more I wanted to take Zara's favorite option of kill the idiots. An Alpha empath, the strongest most likely on the planet and everyone has wants, desires and needs that just don't take into account this poor man's need of something as simple as someone caring for him. To feel so deeply from babyhood and to have them hate him or want to use him and to feel the physical side effects of their emotions? Whoa cruel but this book was hard to put down. Read it in one afternoon and I would recommend you make sure you have time to read it in one sitting. It is powerful and definitely worth the read.   When the Silence Ends (A YA Double Helix novel) Price: $2.99 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful Romping fun read, January 10, 2013 This review is from: When the Silence Ends (A YA Double Helix novel) (Kindle Edition) This book grabbed you by the throat and dragged you through one hell of a ride. Dee, the heroine of the piece, is a strong young human surrounded by those who are not. Almost a simple 17 year old, she is strong of spirit and opinion. Standing up to gangs, mutants, clones, assassins and her own brother she takes charge of her life and her brother's. The story built and built and just when you think it is all lost she kicks butt. Definitely how a mom would want her daughter to grow up. Strong, powerful in her own uniquely human way and loyal. This is a great book for both the young adults it is aimed at and adults who want something clean and fast paced. I highly recommend it. Buy it, read it and then go on for the rest of this very talented writer. My favorite part was how music became a form of communication.

Today we are going for the writer of News Thrillers...James Anderson

Mr Anderson is a Canadian who writes some interesting takes on the thriller genre.  Most books I have read in this field were set in the US of course.  He sets his in Canada...lots of fun as you can see

		Checkmate & Other Stories Price: $0.99
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful three very different tales, September 26, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Checkmate & Other Stories (Kindle Edition) I have read Mr Anderson's work before and expected a good solid read with these tales. The first tale was very different from what I have come to expect from this author. Written in present tense it jarred me at first but it fit the story perfectly. The oddness of this tale is the perfect creepy for a night time read. The second tale is more what I expected. With great research and an understanding of the Canadian presence in the war it was both touching and sad. The third tale was fun. I learned something about Canada that I didn't know about as a new resident to this country.    DEADLINE Price: $0.99 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful A good beginning, April 7, 2013 This review is from: DEADLINE (Kindle Edition) Having read the sequel to this book before I read this one I thought it would be a bit smoother. For a first book by an author it is a great look behind newspaper writers. The characters are rich and occasionally cliched but fun to read. The only real drawback to this fine read is that the two story lines in this book don't mess well. By his second book Mr Anderson has managed to mesh the multiple story lines much better. I wanted to learn more about Trevor and you will as you move through the series. While jerky in places this book shows that the author knew his topic. Spending years in the Newspaper business gave this story a feel that none of us looking in from the outside could put across believably. Read this book and move on to the next.     The Scorpion Price: $2.91 2 of 4 people found the following review helpful Bad guys and bombs, November 4, 2012 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Scorpion (Kindle Edition) At first I was a little confused. This is a new genre for me as I tend to watch spy thrillers, not read them. But as I was pulled into the story I came to feel for the newsman hero. Written in almost a diary like style with each day a heading, the story evolved, bringing in bits and pieces to a stuttering climax. The villain seems to be much like most of the modern villains, in it for the money but in the end you see what he really is. Mr Anderson tells the story like a true journalist and I can easily see this story being transformed to a movie. The ending came a wee bit too fast for me but over all a great effort with a current topic. I loved it being set outside of the US or Britain. Definitely an author I plan to read more of. Read him and see that not all political/spy/war games have to happen in the big three.     The third and final book in his series is out now.  I just have to find the funds to pick up a copy.  Try it out folks.  This series is fun.

Do you like YA fantasy or the lighter side of the end of the world?

Yeah that last part is a bit confusing but you will understand if you read Linell Jeppsen's work.  Her take on things like the end of the world while still sad is a lot lighter than the current take that is out there (Including the one I wrote!)  She is a great writer for those of you who want fiction that is less dark, less filled with violence and sex but still filled with a full well written story.  Here are the reviews of some of her work that I have done.

		The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) Price: $0.99
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful The beginning, October 31, 2013 This review is from: The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) (Kindle Edition) This prequel is the intriguing beginning to the end of the world. The depth of characters that Ms Jeppsen builds helps wet your appetite for the rest of the story. Pick up this short, read it and then you will be ready for the next step.

The Guardians - Episode 2 Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Racketting up the tensions, March 28, 2013 This review is from: The Guardians - Episode 2 (Kindle Edition) Part two of what is going to be a classic IMO. Creatures have come to Earth and they have plans that you just don't want to happen. Instead of a spoiler I would just say this. Pick up part one, read it, pick up part two, read it and beg for part three. This collaboration takes from the strengths of both of these fine writers. With Ms Jeppsen's strong characters and Mr Llyod find grasp of battle and science fiction you get something different and fun to read. This story feels like a throw back to the golden age of science fiction. Read it folks!   Tales from TOMORROW #4 Price: $1.48 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful a great fun read, March 27, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #4 (Kindle Edition) As always I find that Ms Jeppsen's work is well worth reading . The story she added to this collection worked well into the book which was a fun and fast read. Loved it     The Guardians - Episode 1 Price: $0.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Fast paced pure science fiction, March 27, 2013 This review is from: The Guardians - Episode 1 (Kindle Edition) This collaboration between two vary different writers came out amazing. From the opening scenes with the tiny aliens to the climatic scenes at the end you are pulled in. This first installment of a longer set pulls you in and barrels its way to the end. It leaves you wanting more and luckily for us there is more! Can't wait to dive into the next installment.     Tales from TOMORROW #5 Price: $1.48 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful Another fun ride from the mind of John Paten, March 16, 2013 This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #5 (Kindle Edition) I had read all of these so far and I am enjoying the ride. John's universe is filled with aliens and humans and monsters on both sides. The on going themes are throw backs to the glory days of classic scifi and enjoyable to fans. The inclusion of the companion piece to Ms Jeppsen's Story time was just the icing on the cake. Can't wait for more!     Tales from TOMORROW #3 Price: $0.99 3 of 4 people found the following review helpful Fast, classic scifi fun, March 14, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Tales from TOMORROW #3 (Kindle Edition) I have been enjoying this series immensely since i discovered it. These sort little tales are classic science fiction brought to a modern age. The tales are crisp and fun to read. Pick on of these up and you will want the rest of them right away. On to the next one for me   The War of Odds 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Sweet and satisfying, January 30, 2013 This review is from: The War of Odds (Kindle Edition) While this book started just a tad slow for me it ended with a very satisfying punch. Clearly a wonderfully written YA adult fantasy tale filled with rich characters and lots of different magic. Many classic fae are seen in this story and the friendships that develop and grow under the pressure of an almost impossible quest are quite gratifying to watch. Highly recommended for the young teen, this book is also good for us die hard fantasy readers. Lighter than many of the books put out right now, it still has sadness and enough tension and battle to keeps even a video game loving teen boy reading to the end.     Story Time Price: $2.99 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful Reminicing on the end of the world, January 24, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Story Time (Kindle Edition) Now I don't normally read Christian fiction much. Usually I find them overbearing in their message but this novel is different. There is much of tolerance and love here. Like many of Ms Jeppsen's works this one starts slow but builds to a strong and satisfactory ending. There are many deep characters in this story, ones that you can love or hate and so very much going on. With the interweaving of different story tellers in the tale and the hopping from present to past it could get confusing but if you take your time you will find yourself happy that you read the book. For a bit I wasn't sure that having all the ecological disasters and evil men would fit with the alien invasion. I first I felt forced but as I went on it makes a wonderful kind of sense. Another fine read by a woman who is slowly becoming a master. Read this even if you aren't a christian. You will enjoy.     Detour to Dusk Price: $2.99 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful Vampires good and bad, January 23, 2013 Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Detour to Dusk (Kindle Edition) Now I am an avid reader of vampire stories so I started this one out of curiosity. With the flashbacks you get a lot of the back story of Ms Jeppsen's version of the classic monster. They are a separate race from humans, older and not necessarily wiser. In this tale you have factions who know they need to turn humans to survive as a species and others who want to keep thinking of us are simply food to play with and eat. The characters are strong and some are quite compelling. Raphael is almost the classic hero vampire that has become popular but they are not sex objects like many have become. They are fierce warriors who have a culture of their own. The half bred Raphael shows both strength, loyalty and a type of kind understanding. While this story started a bit slow for me, like other works by this author, the end came in a rush of well written prose. You are left with a feeling of satisfaction and a bit of melancholy. A good book and recommended for the older teen and adult reader who are not looking for a sparkly vampire or a erotic one. Good solid story telling.   Onio by Linell Jeppsen Edition: Paperback Price: $10.79 17 used & new from $7.95 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful Read it, you will love it, November 26, 2012 This review is from: Onio (Paperback) This book is intriguing. Ms Jepsen picked a creature that is rarely used in story telling. She gave them a complete and in depth culture, with music and meaning and life. The Heroine of the piece was unusual in her own way and we do not have a clue how beautiful she is till much later in the book. The love story while a bit quick in places is lovely and understandable. Two beings who don't fit into their own worlds fit each other completely. The villain of the piece is both typical and unique. Many authors make the military their villain but in this case it fits and later in the book we see another side to both the villain and to the military. I highly recommend this book to readers. If you are looking for something different, something with tension and love and even a bit of war and rage this is the way to go. While not as dark as many books out there today, it has its dark moments and it is a good read for a cold and blustery day. Curl up with this and a good cup of tea. You won't be disappointed.