Book Review: Azriel Blackheart

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Book Review: "A First Love Never Dies"

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Canada gets Invaded....

Shannon Peel - Thirteen
Free on Smashwords.

Thirteen year old Jack Sullivan resents living with his mom's rules. He feels she's restricting his freedom (typical teen) and just wants to be left alone to have fun with his friends. Waking up to the sound of gunfire one morning, Jack soon has a lot more to worry about than being grounded. Soon he is helping devise ways to stop his neighbours becoming desperate for basic needs and worrying about his dad. On top of that, his mom is making puppy eyes at a cop!

Looking at the front cover of "Thirteen", I can safely say that cover art is definitely not a priority for me when I choose a book. I'm not sure it would even attract the target audience, but the plot for the story sure will.
When I started reading "Thirteen" I had to remember to keep in mind that it is targeted at a much younger age group and it shows in how it is written. I kept thinking it needed to be spiced up but that's my adult thinking. In reality, for a 10 - 14 year old boy, it is just right.
Shannon Peel has come up with a great plot, one that young boys/teens would be interested in. I was certainly interested in it, and I'd like to think that I would be willing to help out wherever necessary in a situation like that. Each chapter was very well written, again, remembering the target audience. I really felt for Jack. I also really felt for his mom, as being a mother myself, I know how strong willed young boys can be and how hard of a job it is to protect them without suffocating the poor child.
"Thirteen": a book for kids with a simplified adult storyline. I will definitely be recommending this book to my thirteen year old son. 4 stars for an excellent kids/YA book.

I was asked to review "Thirteen" in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon Review

Earth is in danger!!

Justin Osborne - "EPIC: Legacy"
£1.34

I really liked Justin Osborne's style of writing when I read "Bitter Fruit: A Taste Of The Antholocaust" and "The Punishment Due" so I was really looking forward to reading the rest of his books. I was fortunate enough to win "Epic: Legacy" in a competition held by Justin. Now, having read his fantasy work, I LOVE Justin Osborne's style of writing.

Earth's population is under threat from an unknown entity as males start vanishing into thin air, and people nicknamed "Transients" have started to appear all over the world.
Deacon McTaggart is a bit of a bad boy (he smokes and swears, albeit not a huge amount). He likes to play his guitar for hours on end and he likes to stick up for those that can't defend themselves or those that have been wronged in some way. His mum sends him to live with his uncle Evon, to try and keep him safe and prevent him from vanishing like all the other males. Deacon finds his uncle to be a bit on the strange side and the stories his uncle tells, even stranger. In proving to his uncle that he's a "man", Deacon ends up extremely drunk and what follows is one of the best stories I have read in a while.

Deacon's character is fantastic - He's a bit of a tough guy, but he has a soft side to him as well. The other main characters are just as good and just as well written: Evon, Morag, Fennan, Inanna, all the way down to Dio (a rather unusual kind of dog).
Avalon is a strange world compared to Abbadon (Earth) but reading each chapter, you can visualize it thanks to the descriptions provided. Follow Deacon and his new found friends as they strive to stop Ubaru'ud from destroying the two worlds.

Justin Osborne did a hell of a job writing this book. From the prologue to the very last word, I was captivated. I didn't come across anything in the story that I disliked. A great story, simply written in a way that was easy to follow, even with the Avalonian dialect (I found it easy to understand).
A 4 star rating from me and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Amazon Review

Can you be Tempted?

Brenda Tetreault - Tempted: A Nightshade Novel (The Nightshade Series)
£1.93

Roman Arceneaux, the name just rolls of your tongue and conjures up the image of a dark, brooding, strong man. Dark & brooding is exactly what he is. Until he spots Sabrina Donahue, then he becomes a man obssessed.
Sabrina has two sides - the socialite who will do almost anything to get her parents attention, and her inner self who is full of doubts and just wants to be loved. She would do anything to be loved for her true self.

When Roman saves Sabrina, the electricity between them is almost instantaneous. Sabrina's reactions to Roman shock her and she leaves an equally stunned Roman "reeling from the way her kiss burned him so good in all the right places"
Tempted is exactly what Sabrina is when she crosses paths twice more with Roman, albeit unintentionally.

The two main characters set fire to the pages of this book and they bring this story to life. Follow them through this well written story as they lust over each other, face dangers together, fall even more in love, and meet each others family.

I loved Sabrina and Roman but I think the secondary characters also helped this novel become the spicy, fast paced story it is. Gaela and Caine's story runs in the background and I am hoping against hope that they're the next novel in this series.
I don't think there was anything I disliked about this book.

So get ready to meet Damphirs, Vampirs, sirens and more. Pick up or download a copy of this book and see if you're "Tempted" into following this series.

"The Punishment Due" - £0.77

Having read Justin Osborne's "Bitter Fruit: A Taste Of The Antholocaust" I couldn't wait to read more from this author, so I picked up a copy of this short story: "The Punishment Due".

Meet Garrett, a convict who does what he can to be secluded away from the other prisoners. He is one of the worst kinds of criminals - in my opinion. As he lays in his cell, a stranger appears and before the story ends, Garrett is facing his own personal hell.

Have you ever wanted to see someone get their comeuppance? Read "The Punishment Due" and watch Karma give this very unpleasant man a very good kick up the backside!

Crashing Back Down" by Kristen Mazzola

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading Crashing Back Down, I wasn't sure I was going to actually like the story. I put this down to the fact that I usually read Fantasy books. I did find myself getting more absorbed as the book went on.

Mags McManus is a 24 year old widow whose husband was killed while he was serving in the military. The prologue provides some glimpses into Mags college years and shows us how and where she met Randy, whom she starts dating and goes on to marry. The first chapter catches up with Mags as she lies in her bed, drowning in grief. When Mags decides that she that she needs to drag herself back together, she has a good support network around her: her mother, her best friend Cali, Randy's best friend Walker and Randy's parents.
Mags' feelings for Walker start to change and she finds herself attracted to him more and more. Judging by Walker's reactions and responses, it's clear he also has growing feelings for Mags too. Guilt swamps them both as they feel they are betraying Mag's dead husband Randy.
At first you'd think this is your run of the mill love story but it comes with a dark twist that will have you gasping in disbelief.

Did I like this book? I liked the story and the idea behind it. Did I like the characters? I have to admit, I am not Mags' greatest fan. I didn't like how she treated her mother. Mags just seemed to lose her temper too easily with her and I didn't like that. Maybe I'm being too picky.
I was engrossed in the story and when I got to the end I was like "nooooooo!!!!!" because I do want to know what happens now that Walker's secret is out. I want to know does Mags turn to the bottle again as she seems to do so often (she drinks when she's relaxing at home, she drinks on girlie days out with Cali, she drinks on her nights out with her friends)

3.5 stars for a good story. I dropped 1.5 stars because I wasn't fond of the characters and couldn't connect with them.

"The Boomerang Effect" by Lindy Spencer.

The Boomerang Effect by Lindy Spencer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


They say Karma is a Bitch - The Boomerang Effect shows just how much of a bitch it can be.

I have to admit, I found it a little difficult at first to keep up with who was who. However it really didn't take long to keep the characters straight in my head.

I loved the idea behind the Boomerang plot and it was well laid out.

The ending surprised me and the whole story, in my opinion, was very well written.

Well done Lindy, hope to read more books from yerself :)



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"The President's Vampire" by Christopher Farnsworth

The President's Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


"Turned into a blood-drinking abomination in 1867, Nathaniel Cade was offered a choice by President Andrew Johnson: serve the United States, or end his unnatural existence. Cade has served every president since, he is the most closely guarded of White House secrets: a superhuman covert agent who is the last line of defense against the nightmares that threaten the American dream."

'The Preisdent's Vampire' is the second book from Christopher Farnsworth bringing Nathaniel Cade's next adventure to life.

"When a new outbreak of an ancient evil—one that Cade has seen before—comes to light, he and his human handler, Zach Barrows, must track down its source. The President suspects the threat might have ties to a high-level defense contractor—a private, Blackwater-like security force whose hired mercenaries who take a very dim view of being forced to work with the President’s men. To “protect and serve” often means settling old scores and confronting new betrayals . . . as only a century-old predator can."

I came across this book for sale in the store I work in and it was the title that caught my attention. I love Vampires. I didn't realise that it was the second book in a series until I Googled the author.

From start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. From the minor characters to the main players, the story comes to life.

The storyline is quite scary, not reading scary, but scary if you stop and think "what if?" In this day and age, anything is possible and reading the plot in this book, ya kinda think "It's not really that far fetched".

Very well written, with great descriptions and fight scenes. Action from start to finish.






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"Warrior of the Nile" by Veronica Scott

Warrior of the Nile by Veronica Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I did not want this book to end!

I have always loved the Egyptian Gods and a good romance story, so put the two into the one book and what do ya get? You get The Gods of Egypt series :D

Warrior of the Nile is the story of Tiya & Khenet and the Gods & Goddesses that they worship.

Khenet is asked by the Pharoh to undertake a task that will have a fatal ending. Khenet agrees to take on the task, although dying is not the ending he is planning.
Tiya is a daughter of the Goddess Nephthys and of her own free will, steps forward to accept orders from her Goddess.
Both become pawns in a Goddess' desire to stop another God from entering Egypt.

Join Khenet & Tiya as they start a journey dictated by a Goddess, filled with peril and a blossoming love filled with despair.
Meet the Gods & Goddesses who inspired such devoted faithfulness from their worshippers.

Veronica Scott writes a story that you cannot help but enjoy, so download a copy and see for yourself :D



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"Thirty Scary Tales" by Rayne Hall

Thirty Scary Tales by Rayne Hall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Rayne Hall kindly sent me a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. I originally didn't know what to say for this review when I first finished the book. I enjoyed it, I just didn't know how to word what I wanted to say, but here goes:

When I settled down to read this book, I was a little apprehensive as I am not a horror fan. I'm not really fond of blood and guts and gore and I am fairly squeamish - I close my eyes at the bloody bits when I am watching "Bones" on TV LOL. Regardless, I started to read.

My original rating for this book was going to be a four star one because I wasn't scared by any of the stories. I was able to read them without flinching, which disappointed me. I was expecting to find myself squealing in disgust or horror or something.
I changed my mind when I scared the bejeepers out of myself out by recalling one of the stories - "The Devil You Know" - whilst using an empty, unlit, public toilet one night about a week after I read the book.
My hubby was waiting outside on some benches so rationally I knew I was safe. However, whilst sitting on the toilet, my mind wandered and I started recalling this particular story. Remembering how "Lucie" felt whilst she tried to sleep on a bench on an empty train station platform, I found myself peering around and checking the top of the stall to make sure no eyes were watching me. I didn't feel at ease until I had hubby back in view and those public toilets were well behind us LOL.
That is what makes a scary tale good and that is why I gave the book a five star rating.
To me, if a scary, creepy story which I didn't really get creeped out at while I was reading the book, comes back and bites me in the ass, it deserves a high rating.

Each story was well written, each character brought to life. Each tale is as creepy as the one before it. None of the stories were boring. I read each and every one and like another reviewer said, I was also pleasantly surprised by the little notes at the end of each tale. Especially when I knew most of the locations as I live within an hour's travel of them. Each tale was like a 5 minute movie and not a crappy 5 minute movie either.

Is this book worth reading? Yes it is. It may not be bloody and gory etc but it is creepy enough to lodge itself into your sub-conscience and jump out and shout BOO!! when you least expect it.



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Rayne Hall's "Storm Dancer"

I discovered "Storm Dancer" when I came across Rayne Hall on Twitter. Being nosy, I looked up "Storm Dancer" on Amazon to see if it was worth a read. I read the sample chapter provided and decided to buy it as my attention was captured. At 42 chapters, I was looking forward to curling up on my comfy couch to read this dark fantasy tale.

We are introduced to Daoud and the dark urges that his djinn tempts him with from the start of the book. This djinn taunts Daoud on a daily basis which leave Daoud struggling to control his dark side.
Daoud is summoned by the Consort and ordered to obey the Consort's demands. Given very little choice, Daoud can only do as the Consort wishes him to do.
Merida hails from the Virtuous Republic of Riverland. Her people are very strict and judge people on their personal values. Merida deems herself a virtuous being and she strives to rid herself of the shame that has befallen her. Something her mother cannot forgive her for.
Follow these two very different characters through a story that will keep you interested from the first chapter right through until the last word. With dangers galore, their journey is an adventurous one to say the least.

From the lowliest character to the two main stars of this book, I ranged through a majority of emotions from happiness to sadness, pride to indignation, shock to glee. Rayne Hall's "Storm Dance" characters are characters you will either love or hate, but you will not forget them.
When I first read about Merida, I found her to be the most stuck up snob I have ever read about. By the end of the book, my opinion of her had changed drastically. I found myself tsking at Daoud in some parts of the story and hailing him a hero in others. None of the characters are completely innocent, which was a refreshing change.

I wasn't overly upset or disturbed by the darkness level in the story line but it is a dark fantasy and it will disturb some readers. I would recommend this book to readers of the fantasy genre but I would also recommend it to anyone who likes romance, because there is romance in there, no matter whether it is a dark book or not.

Go on, pick up a copy and read, it's a well written story with characters you will enjoy meeting.


- eBook Sharing book review

Bitter Fruit: A Taste Of The Antholocaust.

Bitter Fruit: A Taste of the Antholocaust is a book of five short stories:

Post 2 is a monster based story about a security guard and what happens on one of his overnight shifts. I laughed out loud at some parts in this as I found the character and his way of thinking quite funny.

Prepped is a short zombie based story. It's about a man who believes a zombie invasion is possible. Some of the descriptions made me shudder and go "ewwww".

You Can't Kill Rock and Roll is a ghostly music based story. Here the main character and his family discover they have acquired a house guest along with their new apartment.

Muffinz - Mitch finds a stray cat but he soon finds out that Muffinz is no ordinary cat.

Prepped 2: Field Trip is a continuation of Prepped.

Each story is approximately 20 minutes long.

For short stories, the characters are "fleshed" out really well - I've come across short stories were characters are really flat and lifeless to the reader.
A lot of thought and effort seems to have gone into each story and it shows. The story lines are really easy to follow. The detail that has been put into each is excellent.

I gave Bitter Fruit a four star rating because I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story, however they didn't creep me out which is what I enjoy from a good horror book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Sci-Fi and Horror fan, as they are well worth reading, maybe they'll creep other readers out more than they did me.

I'd like to see Prepped and Prepped 2: Field Trip turned into a full length novel. It would have great potential and Justin Osborne has an excellent writing style and tells a spell binding story.

eBook Sharing's review

The Way Of Shadows

I originally thought that this series was going to be like the Assassins Creed books. Upon reading the first one, I kinda changed my mind.

Azoth is something of a wuss. He's got fire in his belly but he's just a scared kid who dreams of what he would like to do to those he doesn't like. However, harm those he loves and a killer is born....

The story was easy enough to follow, even if Mr.Weeks used words that I had never heard of LOL. Azoth is a likeable character. Ya have to feel sorry for him and how he lives, along with Jarl and Doll Girl. It is not a way I would ever wish on my worst enemy.

Pretty much all the "good" main characters are so likeable. Not one of them is perfect, they all have some imperfection in their lives. I liked this coz it makes them believable characters.

The bad guys, well, you'd just love to kill them. I could feel myself rooting for the good guys where necessary.

It's the kind of book I found myself getting wrapped up in. I also found myself looking forward to the next book before I'd even finished this one.

The writing is good, the story is good, the characters are a mixture of good, bad and simply evil. Each character has their own individual story to tell and although Azoth/Kylar is the main character, the others don't fade into the background, they all hold their own.

I'd definitely read this book again at some point.

Fifty Shades of disappointment....

I'd been hearing from friends on the net and off that Fifty Shades was the next best thing since sliced bread. So when I got my copies I was all prepared to feel hot and bothered whilst reading them.

I have read steamier Mills & Boon novels!!!!!

I liked the Anastasia character, I could identify with her in some ways. As for Gray, I wanted to slap him upside the head at times. He irritated the hell out of me with his overbearing ways.

The sex scenes, the ones that friends claimed had them blushing, were so disappointing. Not once did I feel tempted to run out and buy a grey tie LOL. Honestly, maybe I had too high of hopes for these books and possibly because S&M is just not my thing.

I felt things were repeated too often, Anastasia biting her lip for instance.

For me, the best part was Ani's Inner Goddess and her Sub Conscience. These two I thought were hilarious and they constantly made me giggle.

My score for all three of these books out of ten would have to be 5. I haven't even bothered to finish the third book, that's how non-impressed I am with the trilogy.