All That Glitters is a paranormal/urban fantasy novel that focuses on an undetectable thief looking for ways to enhance his power. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review; as always, what follows is my honest assessment of the work.
I give this book 2.5/5 stars. Here is my breakdown.
Characters: 2/5. Early on, I found no reason to care about the characters in this story. The point of view changed often, and a whole host of people were introduced. Unfortunately, those people did not ring true to me, and their interactions often seemed like a falsetto note in a song.
Plot: 4/5. This is a strength for this book. I think that Sonnenberg's idea is fascinating - a thief with magical powers terrorizing a town for reasons of his own. With some more work on making the story more fluid, this plot idea could be developed into a truly fantastic novel. As an urban fantasy author myself, I know how hard it is to make the storyline work, and Sonnenberg has a good start in this area.
Flow: 2/5. The language is...well, the language is not fun to read. The dialogue was stilted in many places, unrealistic. The narration was excessive - I prefer for my world to be described to me in small bits and through the actions of the characters rather than through exposition and loads of description.
Spelling/Grammar: 3.5/5. I didn't notice much in the way of spelling/grammar problems, although the odd structure of some sentences (especially in dialogue) did strike me on occasion. Another proofread/edit session would probably clear up anything I noticed.
Summary: 2.5/5. This book builds slowly. Very slowly. Some people (my sister in law included!) like slow build-ups. I do not. The first few dozen pages of this book are spent introducing more and more new characters without giving me a reason to become invested in any of them. Some people may like this book very much, but I did not. I would not recommend it to others unless I knew that they were interested in the subject matter or the style.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
Review of Soul Reunion by Lorraine Sears - 4.5/5 Stars
Review of Soul Reunion by Lorraine Sears
Soul Reunion is a paranormal romance story and the first in a series. I was given a free copy of this novel for a review. As always, the review is honest and reflects my true opinions of the work.
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. Lorraine does a fantastic job of creating characters. The world in which they exist is so rich, and the characters have such detailed storylines and history. From Soul Takers to Death Dealers to Vampires and Wizards, it’s a round-robin of wonderful design. The revelation of Maya’s secret curse cut to my soul, and Helena’s insecurities were all-too-realistic. Fantastic work!
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. The storyline was amazing! The action and romance scenes were all believable and integral to the plot. I sympathized so much with Goran and his desire to be with and protect his mate, the desire which drove the plot of this book. Watching them fight to be together against all odds and enlist some unorthodox allies to do so made this book well worth my time. Flow: 4/5. Lorraine has done an excellent job of putting together a book that pulls one forward to keep reading. I finished this book in just under an hour (what can I say, I’m a speed reader!) and had absolutely no desire to put it down. There were no wasted words or scenes, and the points of view were kept clear and elegant. Normally, I’m not a fan of changing POV within a scene, but Lorraine did it well and with style.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. I noticed a VERY few typos in this work. There were a couple of missing quotes and maybe a misspelling or two, but absolutely nothing which interfered with my enjoyment of the work. Clearly well edited and proofread.
Summary: 4.5/5. Soul Reunion is the debut work of someone who should be writing for a living. The world practically ensnares you, daring you to take a step within it because, if you do, you’re likely to get lost. It was a treat to read, and I will be purchasing the next in the series soon. Thank you, Lorraine!
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. Lorraine does a fantastic job of creating characters. The world in which they exist is so rich, and the characters have such detailed storylines and history. From Soul Takers to Death Dealers to Vampires and Wizards, it’s a round-robin of wonderful design. The revelation of Maya’s secret curse cut to my soul, and Helena’s insecurities were all-too-realistic. Fantastic work!
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. The storyline was amazing! The action and romance scenes were all believable and integral to the plot. I sympathized so much with Goran and his desire to be with and protect his mate, the desire which drove the plot of this book. Watching them fight to be together against all odds and enlist some unorthodox allies to do so made this book well worth my time. Flow: 4/5. Lorraine has done an excellent job of putting together a book that pulls one forward to keep reading. I finished this book in just under an hour (what can I say, I’m a speed reader!) and had absolutely no desire to put it down. There were no wasted words or scenes, and the points of view were kept clear and elegant. Normally, I’m not a fan of changing POV within a scene, but Lorraine did it well and with style.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. I noticed a VERY few typos in this work. There were a couple of missing quotes and maybe a misspelling or two, but absolutely nothing which interfered with my enjoyment of the work. Clearly well edited and proofread.
Summary: 4.5/5. Soul Reunion is the debut work of someone who should be writing for a living. The world practically ensnares you, daring you to take a step within it because, if you do, you’re likely to get lost. It was a treat to read, and I will be purchasing the next in the series soon. Thank you, Lorraine!
Gods with Fangs by D.C. Armstrong
Review of Gods with Fangs by D.C. Armstrong
Gods with Fangs is a paranormal fantasy story with elements of romance. I was given a free copy of this novel for a review. As always, the review is honest and reflects my true opinions of the work.
I give this book a 3/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. This is the strongest point of this novel, and shows the author’s ability to create realistic people. Each character’s motivations were strong, believable, and their reactions to the situations they found themselves in were plausible and interesting. Being able to create real people is the most important part of a story, in my opinion, so, with characters like Cora, Mark, Aries and Piper, Armstrong is ahead of the curve here!
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The plot was interesting – vampires have come out of hiding and are in the process of taking over the world for “humanity’s own good.” The struggle between security and freedoms take center-stage in Gods with Fangs, and Armstrong does a good job of making the world believable and helping us care about the events within it. There were a few instances where I felt like the world was reacting unrealistically, but, for the most part, well done.
Flow: 2/5. This is a weakness in this novel. The author overuses ellipses and the dialogue sometimes slips into strange constructions that sound contrived. There are also a few Point-Of-View errors, in which, while we are in one character’s “head,” we receive information from the writing about the motivation of the other characters in the scene, rather than through sensory input.
Spelling/Grammar: 3/5. I noticed a few spelling mistakes and punctuation errors. They increased in frequency toward the end of the work, and came often enough that I noticed their presence and was jolted out of my happy story place. Look for conjunctions and missing commas.
Summary: 3/5. This is a work with an awful lot of potential. Armstrong has created a world that is interesting and enjoyable, and the novel touches on issues that are dear to humanity’s collective heart – freedom and choice. Another round of proofreads and the removal of some ellipses would go a long way to elevating this novel from “pretty good” to “outstanding!”
I give this book a 3/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. This is the strongest point of this novel, and shows the author’s ability to create realistic people. Each character’s motivations were strong, believable, and their reactions to the situations they found themselves in were plausible and interesting. Being able to create real people is the most important part of a story, in my opinion, so, with characters like Cora, Mark, Aries and Piper, Armstrong is ahead of the curve here!
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The plot was interesting – vampires have come out of hiding and are in the process of taking over the world for “humanity’s own good.” The struggle between security and freedoms take center-stage in Gods with Fangs, and Armstrong does a good job of making the world believable and helping us care about the events within it. There were a few instances where I felt like the world was reacting unrealistically, but, for the most part, well done.
Flow: 2/5. This is a weakness in this novel. The author overuses ellipses and the dialogue sometimes slips into strange constructions that sound contrived. There are also a few Point-Of-View errors, in which, while we are in one character’s “head,” we receive information from the writing about the motivation of the other characters in the scene, rather than through sensory input.
Spelling/Grammar: 3/5. I noticed a few spelling mistakes and punctuation errors. They increased in frequency toward the end of the work, and came often enough that I noticed their presence and was jolted out of my happy story place. Look for conjunctions and missing commas.
Summary: 3/5. This is a work with an awful lot of potential. Armstrong has created a world that is interesting and enjoyable, and the novel touches on issues that are dear to humanity’s collective heart – freedom and choice. Another round of proofreads and the removal of some ellipses would go a long way to elevating this novel from “pretty good” to “outstanding!”
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Club Nexus by E.J. Stevens - 4.5/5
Review of Club Nexus by E. J. Stevens
Club Nexus is a paranormal fantasy novella set in the world of Ivy Granger. It contains four shorter works, all set at the same time and the same place but with different points of view. I purchased this story based on my previous experience with E.J. Stevens’ work, and I was not disappointed.
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. As always, Stevens excels in making her characters believable and interesting. Each of the four characters featured (an Unseelie fae, a vampire, Forneus the demon, and Jinx, Ivy’s partner) is rich and involved, and their different takes on the same scenario are amazing. Thank you!
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. I expect that this plot will become important through the development of Stevens’ next novel, Burning Bright. While the novella as a whole seems to mostly be an interesting diversion, a natural follow-up to the events of Ghost Light, the impact on Jinx and Forneus will, I imagine, have long-reaching consequences. My slight ding here is simply because, for the first time ever, I’m angry at Ivy.
Flow: 4.5/5. The story was compelling and pulled me forward – even the POV changes are done effectively and well. Stevens is a master at balancing action and development, and Club Nexus, despite its brevity, showcases this talent to the fullest.
Spelling/Grammar: 5/5. I noticed no spelling or grammar mistakes. While this could be because Stevens always writes in such a way that I lose track of what I’m doing and then the story is over. <.< >.>
Summary: 4.5/5. This is an excellent set of stories and a great teaser for Burning Bright. E.J. Stevens excels, as always, and her pen (or word processor) has revealed secrets from both Jinx and Forneus that would have been missed if we were only looking through Ivy’s eyes. I am thrilled with my purchase and will buy Burning Bright as soon as it’s released. Thanks again!
I give this book a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. As always, Stevens excels in making her characters believable and interesting. Each of the four characters featured (an Unseelie fae, a vampire, Forneus the demon, and Jinx, Ivy’s partner) is rich and involved, and their different takes on the same scenario are amazing. Thank you!
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. I expect that this plot will become important through the development of Stevens’ next novel, Burning Bright. While the novella as a whole seems to mostly be an interesting diversion, a natural follow-up to the events of Ghost Light, the impact on Jinx and Forneus will, I imagine, have long-reaching consequences. My slight ding here is simply because, for the first time ever, I’m angry at Ivy.
Flow: 4.5/5. The story was compelling and pulled me forward – even the POV changes are done effectively and well. Stevens is a master at balancing action and development, and Club Nexus, despite its brevity, showcases this talent to the fullest.
Spelling/Grammar: 5/5. I noticed no spelling or grammar mistakes. While this could be because Stevens always writes in such a way that I lose track of what I’m doing and then the story is over. <.< >.>
Summary: 4.5/5. This is an excellent set of stories and a great teaser for Burning Bright. E.J. Stevens excels, as always, and her pen (or word processor) has revealed secrets from both Jinx and Forneus that would have been missed if we were only looking through Ivy’s eyes. I am thrilled with my purchase and will buy Burning Bright as soon as it’s released. Thanks again!
Monday, February 10, 2014
The Light Who Shines - 3.75/5
Review of The Light Who Shines by Lilo Abernathy
The Light Who Shines is a paranormal fantasy/romance story. I was
given a free copy of this novel for a review. As always, the review is honest
and reflects my true opinions of the work.
I give this book a 3.75/5. Here
is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. This is where
Lilo’s work really shines. She has created a rich, enveloping world full of
characters that are real people. Their conversations are interesting, their
motives are understandable, clear, and believable. The antagonist’s plans are
excellent executed. Thank you for introducing me to Bluebell and Jack and Varg!
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The plot was
solid throughout, with interesting reveals and hidden secrets (to be given in
the next book, I hope!) There were also many small side-plots, serving to
further entrench the reader in the verisimilitude of Bluebell’s world. This
book feels like a set-up novel, in that so many loose threads are waiting to be
picked up.
Flow: 3/5. The story was
compelling and pulled me forward – especially the last portion. My issues with
the flow are twofold: one, the book is written in 1st person present
tense, which is a style that I normally do not enjoy very much (the fact that I
did enjoy this book is a testament to
Lilo’s fascinating world!). Two: the dialogue felt strange and stilted at times
– I especially noticed this with Bluebell, as she would, on occasion, speak
like she had spent time rehearsing what she was going to say, even in the midst
of distress and anger.
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. I noticed a few spelling mistakes, punctuation
errors. Not many. They did not, in any way, disturb my enjoyment of the work.
Summary: 3.75/5. This is a solid
work, enjoyable, entertaining, and compelling. With another round of edits (and
consider changing the P.O.V. and tense!), this could move from “good” to “great.”
Looking forward to the next installment!
Jason P. Crawford
Chains of Prophecy (Samuel Buckland Chronicles)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Review of Darker Shade of Dawn by Aimee Roseland - 4/5
Darker Shade of Dawn is a paranormal romance/erotica story in the Beneath the Veil series, which I have not read.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 4/5 stars. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. The characters in this story were interesting and engaging. Aimee has taken the ancient legends of succubi and incubi and turned them into people that we care about. I loved Roschana and identified deeply with Noah, romantics both. Thank you.
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The storyline revolves around an ancient evil that only a human can defeat - a classic, almost cliched idea- , but is full of character development and rich world building. The climactic battle seems a little short and the whole book ends too quickly for my taste, but, overall, it was an exciting, fast-paced ride through a world that I was tickled to enter.
Flow: 4/5. The point of view shifts were handled well and the plot flowed smoothly. I never felt pulled out of the storyline or environment, and I never lost my suspension of disbelief. Any book that keeps me turning the pages (or pressing the Page Down key) without wanting to break away and grab a snack is worthwhile.
Spelling/Grammar/Layout: 4/5. Because I was reading this for a review, I noted anytime that the grammar stuttered or there was a spelling or punctuation error. The book was not error-free, but that said, if you let a couple of proofreading mistakes turn you away you're missing out on an excellent read.
Overall: 4/5. Engaging. Stimulating. Fascinating. Darker Shade of Dawn is all these and more, and I will be picking up the rest of the series soon. Thank you for an excellent read!
Jason P. Crawford
www.jasonpatrickcrawford.com
@jnewmanwriting
Author of Chains of Prophecy and The Drifter
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jasoncrawford
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 4/5 stars. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. The characters in this story were interesting and engaging. Aimee has taken the ancient legends of succubi and incubi and turned them into people that we care about. I loved Roschana and identified deeply with Noah, romantics both. Thank you.
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The storyline revolves around an ancient evil that only a human can defeat - a classic, almost cliched idea- , but is full of character development and rich world building. The climactic battle seems a little short and the whole book ends too quickly for my taste, but, overall, it was an exciting, fast-paced ride through a world that I was tickled to enter.
Flow: 4/5. The point of view shifts were handled well and the plot flowed smoothly. I never felt pulled out of the storyline or environment, and I never lost my suspension of disbelief. Any book that keeps me turning the pages (or pressing the Page Down key) without wanting to break away and grab a snack is worthwhile.
Spelling/Grammar/Layout: 4/5. Because I was reading this for a review, I noted anytime that the grammar stuttered or there was a spelling or punctuation error. The book was not error-free, but that said, if you let a couple of proofreading mistakes turn you away you're missing out on an excellent read.
Overall: 4/5. Engaging. Stimulating. Fascinating. Darker Shade of Dawn is all these and more, and I will be picking up the rest of the series soon. Thank you for an excellent read!
Jason P. Crawford
www.jasonpatrickcrawford.com
@jnewmanwriting
Author of Chains of Prophecy and The Drifter
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jasoncrawford
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Review of Scott Spotson's The Four Kings
I bought this book on a recommendation, and I'm very glad I did. I give this book 4.5/5 stars. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. This is a real strength for Scott. Despite having nearly unlimited power, he does an excellent job of making his wizards seem like real, fallible people that I could imagine in that position. I love the fact that they come off nearly omniscient and yet regular Mortals (as they are called) start pointing out the cracks and flaws in their arguments and ideas. Amanda was another fantastic character, with her divided loyalties and struggle with her attraction to Regi...one of the conquerors of North America.
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The story was clear, interesting, and plausible (inasmuch as superpowerful wizards taking over the world is plausible) and the connections followed easily from one another. There was no feeling of "forced" action, no contrived speech. Well done!
Flow: 4/5. The story flowed well, for the most part; my only issue was that, sometimes, the chapter breaks came very fast and it felt a little turbulent. Most of the time, the action was smooth, pleasant, with the jarring spikes coming at just the right time to suck the reader back in.
Spelling/Grammar/Layout: 4.5/5. There were a few missed words, a few misspellings...but they were very, very few, and I was not distracted at all by them.
Overall: 4.5/5. Scott Spotson has delivered a paranormal fantasy that appeals to each of us who have ever wanted to just take over and DO IT RIGHT...and explains, very clearly, why we shouldn't.
Characters: 5/5. This is a real strength for Scott. Despite having nearly unlimited power, he does an excellent job of making his wizards seem like real, fallible people that I could imagine in that position. I love the fact that they come off nearly omniscient and yet regular Mortals (as they are called) start pointing out the cracks and flaws in their arguments and ideas. Amanda was another fantastic character, with her divided loyalties and struggle with her attraction to Regi...one of the conquerors of North America.
Plot/Storyline: 4/5. The story was clear, interesting, and plausible (inasmuch as superpowerful wizards taking over the world is plausible) and the connections followed easily from one another. There was no feeling of "forced" action, no contrived speech. Well done!
Flow: 4/5. The story flowed well, for the most part; my only issue was that, sometimes, the chapter breaks came very fast and it felt a little turbulent. Most of the time, the action was smooth, pleasant, with the jarring spikes coming at just the right time to suck the reader back in.
Spelling/Grammar/Layout: 4.5/5. There were a few missed words, a few misspellings...but they were very, very few, and I was not distracted at all by them.
Overall: 4.5/5. Scott Spotson has delivered a paranormal fantasy that appeals to each of us who have ever wanted to just take over and DO IT RIGHT...and explains, very clearly, why we shouldn't.
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