We have a new reviewer

We are pleased to introduce a new reviewer, Cheryl Kendal. She is Lindsay's younger sister, and also an avid reader. For more information on Cheryl, including her tastes and what she will review, please see our about us page.

Shades of Grey: Prologue by Amanda M. Holt – Review by Lindsay

 1 Star (and that is over generous!)

It’s not often I only rate something 1 star, but this book was horrific. I hated the opening chapter and thought please let this get better... it didn’t. I won’t finish it, nor will I read any more by this author. The writing style sucked, the bad language was severely over used, the terminology was rubbish (to put it mild).

I have never written a review like this before and it saddens me to do so. But this book is quite honestly the worst thing I’ve ever read. I’m ashamed to have this on my Kindle and will be deleting it as soon as I have written this.

This book was a free download and Christ I feel ripped off still. Why are people allowed to publish these books? I read a lot of Indie books, and I am a reviewer, AND I love a lot of Indie books. But some of them, or should I say THIS one, needs dumping!

The Man of My Dreams by Gladys Quintal – review by Lindsay

Re-reviewed after rewrite.

3 stars

This is an update to my previous review. Last time round I couldn’t finish this book and I stated my reasons then. This time I did finish the work, and whilst I’m glad I did, I have a lot of gripes. Some of them made be so angry I had to stop reading it for a while, or skim the pages just enough to be able to keep up with the plot and characters.

Again this reads like a slightly different version on the TV series ‘Moonlight’. All I could see was Mick St John and Beth. I think like I’ve said before, this spoilt it for me since I think Moonlight was amazing, and I know authors need inspiration, but this is too alike.

Aside form the storyline ‘copy’ gripe, there were multiple mistakes, as in, words missed out, tense changes in the same sentence and also, I have never seen so many !!!!!!’s in one book! Exclamation marks give the impression that someone or something is shouting. These really need to be taken out.

Another gripe – the first two chapters are from Cassie’s early years, and then the third chapter is straight into her thirties. This really confused me at first and I think maybe the author should put a subtitle saying for example “20 years later” just so the reader knows before thinking “Eh!”

Another gripe – a book is written in either first or third person perspective. NOT both. Some chapters it’s first, others its third, then back to first. In one chapter it clearly jumped from third to first IN THE SAME CHAPTER, and then back to third. Why? For a story like this, the whole book should be written in third person.

There were a lot of other little gripes I had, but I don’t want to sound picky. I think they only annoyed me so much with me already having the gripes I’ve mentioned above. For example in one chapter it reads... “Its eyes were piercing blue. Almost white...” Err hang on, are they piercing blue or are they white? Maybe they’re in between; wouldn’t that be pastel blue or something?

I so hoped to be able to give this book more stars, but I’m an honest reviewer so I can’t. I’m also a published author and I understand it’s not nice to hear bad things about a story you obviously love. But I also believe that they should be seen as constructive criticism and not taken to heart.

I have the second instalment ready to read, after I’ve read a couple of other books. I will be as honest with that one as I have with this.

The Blue Witch by Kevis Hendrickson – Review by Lindsay

2 Stars

I don’t really know how to review this book as I couldn't read it all. I read the first few chapters, then seemed to think “yeah yeah, how does it end”, and literally read a few pages in the middle and the last two pages.

I think the repetitiveness got on my nerves, I cannot remember how many time I heard the word ‘bosom’ and how beautiful the princess Enolia was.

I haven’t read it all, I will never read it all. The storyline is typical – “I have a beautiful wife – everyone wants to sleep with her – she gets taken away – I save her.”

I’m sorry but books like this piss me off. All the men want is to lust over the maiden and screw/rape her. Not a book for me and I'm glad it was a free download.

Torment by Lindsay Anne Kendal - Review by Jane

4.5*

 Kiera is back from Hell and has to explain to her earth bound friends where she’s been and what she has become. When demons try to take over the underworld, life on Earth is thrown into chaos. Kiera and her five friends, along with Eligos are the only people able to find out who the leader of the rebellion is and defeat him. Bigger and better battles take place in Torment, the second installment of ‘Bloodlines the trilogy’.

Kiera has become stronger, she has a better understanding of her powers and how to use them and she found love in the form of Eligos, *drools*.  Everything that happens in this book is ‘bigger’ the fighting is more vicious the romance is more romantic, it all feels older like everyone has grown-up some since the last book……..that could just be Kiera or it could be Eligos’ influence over the group. We are introduced to quite a few new characters, some better developed than others.

On the writing side Lindsay has definitely grown, some of the simple mistakes she made in her debut novel have not been repeated in this one though I have to say the cliff hanger at the end is ten times worse than ‘Bloodlines’ and I really really REALLY hate cliff hangers!!!! This whole series has a very unique plot with interesting characters and fans of the genre will not be disappointed with this YA demonic trilogy.

Danny Marble and the Application for Non-Scary Things by Jessica McHugh – Review by Lindsay

 5 Stars (I’d give it 6 if it were possible)

This book is fantastic, and although this book is meant for a younger audience, I can safely say that people of all ages will enjoying reading this story and looking at the brilliantly dark illustrations.

I’m going to talk briefly about the illustrations first – as soon as I saw the first one, only one thing came into my mind.... Tim Burton!!! And I love him. All I could think about was Nightmare Before Christmas for some reason :). The drawings are so dark, they fit the story perfectly. What a fantastic artist. Tim Burton.... Watch you back mate!

The story is also great and grips you from the first page. Our main character is little Danny who is trying his best to overcome his fears. We all had fears as children didn’t we? From monsters in the closet, to the ones hiding under your bed. I remember when I was young, I used to run and jump on the bed quickly so the monsters couldn’t grab my legs. Reading this book brought a lot of my childhood memories back and I couldn’t help but smile, even though back then, I certainly didn’t think they were funny.

But not only does Danny have the typical child fears, he’s also lost his parents and being bullied at school. I think this is something a lot of people can relate to. I’m not giving too much of this story away as I really hate the thoughts of spoiling it for others. What I will say is that Danny goes onto a journey to try and be released from the feeling of ‘fear’, but maybe, that could be even worse??

Pick this book up and join Danny on a fantastic adventure that will leave you thinking for hours, if not days, after you’ve finished reading the last page!

Summer's Journey: Volume One - Losing Control by Summer Daniels – Review by Lindsay

4 Stars

This is a very very quick read, in fact, it took me less than an hour. I think this is just the background story of Summer, allowing you to learn what she has been through and what she now desires.

Summer is recently divorced and now on the lookout for new adventures to try and intensify her sexual experiences. Her married life lacked the “spice” she so desperately desired.

After debating what to do, Summer signs up to net based dating programmes and meets Mark. Mark is also recently divorced and looking for someone to “play” with, and explore new things. He also wants to take control of everything and please Summer, knowing she has never experienced this before.

After reading this book, a few things were certain...

1)      I want Mark too (I’m sure if you’ve read the above I don’t need to say why)

2)      Knowing this is a true story, I admire Summer for going out and getting what she wants.

This book is well written and gives rather detailed accounts of Summers life whilst, in this instalment, not being overly graphic.

So why the four stars and not five, you ask? The answer is because of how quickly it was over, this is not the sort of book I normally read, but I enjoyed every word of it and when it ended I was like... oh.. erm... ok! And I was a little annoyed. Especially with there being such a big build up around Mark, I wanted to know more of what happened when she finally met up with him.

I really cannot wait to read the next instalment, and I hope the author will put a huge smile on my face and allow me to review it for her. This will be being added to my favourites shelf!!

Bloodlines by Lindsay Anne Kendal - Review by Jane

 4*

Kiera knew she was different and after having strange dreams and hearing voices she felt the need to find her roots. Taking her friend Lily along with her they embark on an adventure that takes them to places and shows them things they could never imagine. They meet new friends and make new enemies on their journey to find Kieras ancestry.

This is the newly edited and printed version of Bloodlines and the differences between this and the first draft are noticeable. The dialogue and terminology is more in keeping with American vocabulary and the new editor (Beth Price) has done a fantastic job in making this book a more marketable product.

Kiera is a very strong headed girl, she knows exactly what she wants and she doesn’t suffer fools. Sometimes she is arrogant and once it’s made up she refuses to change her mind no matter what. When the girls meet up with a group of boys Jake, Tyler, Lucian and Danny things don’t go too smoothly. The boys feel threatened by Kiera and unsure about her reasons for being there but after a shaky start the six of them soon become firm friends and allies.

This is a story of destiny, of long standing beliefs and legends. The detail and information shows Lindsay has a good knowledge of demons and  all things ‘dark’.  There are twists and turns in this the first of an exciting trilogy, with romance included and tonnes of action. The unanswered questions we are left with manage to keep us curious enough to count the days ‘till we get the next book.

The Spirit Box by JH Glaze - Review by Lindsay

4 Stars.

Firstly can I just say that as much as I get why the author used this cover, I think its very ugly and doesn’t do the story any justice at all. We all know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but lets face it, most of us do, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have looked at this book just based on the cover art.

Having said that, the author asked me to review this work, and I am very glad they did. This story is definitely unique, I’ve never read anything like it before. This story makes you think... “I’m going to be careful what I wish for in the future, it may just come true.... and have bad consequences.”

You are sucked in right from the start, and I must say, the authors imagination when telling the story of the spirit box’s origin... is brilliant. I was hooked. (That is my fave part of the book). You can imagine everything going on around you, and I love it when you feel you are actually in the book with the characters.

I had a couple of gripes with the book, sometimes the writing didn’t flow very well, but this was quite rare. My main gripe was the character lack of personality and depth. I found it rather hard to connect with them properly, normally, if I don’t connect with the characters, I can’t continue reading the book. But the storyline was so good and cleverly thought out, that I had to continue reading.

I am looking forward to the next instalment and wish this talented writer every success.

City of bones by Cassandra Clare - Review by Jane

 5*

On an evening out with her friend Simon, Clary is accidentally thrown into a world with every  fictitious being  imaginable……….only now she realises they are not fictitious…..they are infact real! The Earth is filled with demons, warlocks and vampires to name but a few and Clary had no idea they existed!! So when she returned home to find her mother missing and some very strange looking creatures in her apartment she has no choice but to accept the help of Jace, an odd tattooed boy who is trying to rid our world of all demons.

This is my second read of City of Bones and I thought maybe first time ‘round I had been smitten and that really the book wasn’t as good as I thought, maybe not worth the 5 stars I originally gave it………..NOT the case, on second read I was just as taken in by CC’s writing style and the world she has created as the first time I read it. I was so absorbed in the book that nothing else mattered, I read while I cooked I almost read while I ate and my kids (who are not so young anymore) had to fend for themselves until I’d finished it!!!!…….This is definitely a book I class as an ‘ultimate’ reading experience.

There probably are a few things that I didn’t like about the book but I can honestly say they must be small because I can’t recall them now! I know this book started out as HP fan fiction and a lot of people have a problem with fanfic of any type being published but I don’t, the story is not like HP even if originally the characters were loosely based on them. 

Gabriels Chalice by Frank A. Ruffolo - Review by Jane

4 Stars

In 2028 Dr. Raphael Matteo goes on a mission to the moon but as volcano’s erupt all over earth and fears of another ice age grow, the Dr. is told he may have to cut short his visit and return home earlier than planned. While doing tests on the moons surface, along side diamonds and rust in the moons rocks the Dr. and his crew find an altar containing a Chalice. Suddenly a bright light appears and the men hear a voice telling them he is Gabriel and the ground they are on is consecrated. The men can’t believe their luck and take the chalice back with them to their base. It’s not long before things on Earth worsen and Matt has to return home taking the Chalice with him.

A very unique story and I can honestly say I have never read anything like it before….. After they had taken the chalice it was as if one of the seven seals had been broken and the four horsemen of the Apocalypse were let lose on the Earth! The ash cloud created by the volcano’s was effecting the growth of food (Famine) pneumonia and AID’s grew rampant across the world (Disease) killing millions of people (Death) and finally (Conquest) when the cross shone from the moon towards Earth dispersing the ash cloud.

This book is filled with religion, there are pilgrimages and prophecies and it has quite a complicated plot. The pace is steady and the prose flows okay, if this is your genre of choice you would probably find it quite interesting. It isn’t what I normally read ……… (this will not affect my rating)

I did have one issue with the book and that was the lack of explanation of the initialisms  and acronyms, we all know what NASA and SUV stand for, but  USGS or CDC etc are not necessarily known by the general world population so I think it would have been nice for  the author to have bracketed the meaning immediately after their first use to make it easier for the reader to understand. By the way the cover art is beautiful.

Copy supplied for review.

Tallen by ML Sawyer - Review by Jane

4 Stars

When Tallen and her family said no to Slevin, the  son of a rich merchant, they didn’t realise just how severe the repercussions would be. After an attack instigated by the spoiled man who is used to getting his own way, Tallen is left injured and alone, she vows revenge on the man and all who helped him burn her home to the ground. Help came in the form of John, one of Slevins men who realised how wrong the situation was and instead of following orders he took Tallen away to protect her and let her heal. They go on a journey together with Wanderer, Tallens puppy.

At sixteen years old, Tallen is a really strong and likable character she’s tough and a bit of a tom boy who learned to fight along side her brothers. I liked her and connected with her immediately. The relationship she had with the boys, Patet and Beral was everything you’d want from siblings…humorous, competitive respectful and the love between them was palpable. The family had a really happy feel to it.

The story was a bit slow in the beginning but once it did start….. wow it really took off I was itching to find out what happened and couldn’t predict the story from one page to the next. After it’s slow start the story was really fast pace with lot’s of action, and quite a bit of fighting but thankfully the violence wasn’t too gory. It was at times very sad but emotionally it was well balanced with happy times too. I enjoyed meeting Taslessian from book one and overall I think this is a much more interesting read than the first instalment.

The book is well written with a developed plot, and the series is proving to be a very interesting one. I like the fact that this part of the story was finished….even though it didn’t end how I wanted it to! I also liked the inclusion of the epilogue. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Copy supplied for review.

Paranormal Public by Maddy Edwards – Review by Lindsay

4 Stars

This book, despite its length, was actually a very quick and entertaining read. Yes the setting is once again in a college, and yes we seem to have that everywhere at the moment, but this story seems to have a little more depth. The characters are unique and easy to connect with, and therefore makes this story, in my personal opinion... different.

As well as unique, the characters are likeable, and of course we have a forbidden love theme going on too, which I happen to LOVE! We also read about demons, magic and many mythical beings, all of which keep you hooked to the pages.

The only gripes I have with the book is that some things in there are very similar to other things I’ve read recently. I know the characters are unique, but the setting once again put me back in school and I would have enjoyed being somewhere else.