RF Reviews: Young Adult

The Inked by Kristina Streva sympathizes with the minority.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-inked?fbclid=IwAR1yEqmGoq7djery2bSUtEFifv9w56ExnbPXRDgkdYZN1RwviIj1OnOdPPE#

Darkest Rose by Vera Morgana modernizes the story of ill-fated lovers.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/darkest-rose?fbclid=IwAR2sE5hrj2mUtVfyH95oWagoGYMV6R2LcuscOZmiwXkv5n6wRWeZj79H8oE#

Status Human: Book Two of The Upsilon Series by Daniel Weisbeck presents two novellas featuring robotic beings with remnants of human consciousness. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/status-human?fbclid=IwAR30sji3-G7QlE5enJB19RPlLutDsGoE8TMjWFcnkFKsgg4LqViSzaiH_4g# 

Victorian by Jordan Elizabet is almost as dark and brooding as it is spooky.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/victorian?fbclid=IwAR1WocACwrQpRGn5Ba5vYbjcx1tl7nEg81d3l2pcO063svvtOYWCblTodZE#

Christmas Magic by Catherine Kean shows love can go comically wrong once a spell is invoked. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/christmas-magic?fbclid=IwAR1NsDIcVVRdiBJDlCtmqKUQrideh4RI9d9Unfp0BEunKtgGYlIdnKklU5g#

 Where the Magic Lies by Hermione Lee demonstrates all is not well in Fairyland.

 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/where-the-magic-lies?fbclid=IwAR3xQMwg35baNcPbcB932-pFWsDVtIZip24drpQaR8DHt0By1RHe_LPbS8g#

 

The First Buds of Spring also by Hermione Lee brings magic into the classroom and draws a mortal into the other realm.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-first-buds-of-spring?fbclid=IwAR2CKjF3W0binw6mqD-YT3vs_gvRFHbv8l-Mcx_CpRO0Swh3_fKIBYuyza4#

 

RF Reviews: Western

 

A SouthWestern Adventure: In the Footsteps of First Peoples: Mogollon, Hohokam, Salado and Sinagua by Michael Royea was non-fiction, but it set the background beautifully. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/southwestern-adventure?fbclid=IwAR3onIw5ZfECEcLMSnoEHR4Wnly_wSS7xWSfsPTh1HsWgRePJf2Pu9VIxKA#

Wild Montana Winds by MK McClintock was a sweet Western romance.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/wild-montana-winds?fbclid=IwAR0Khr75DWphrAwn4kA5MMIO3KOeFG8MZTBaMQKr9kWBGMYihdu93Fyy2kk#

Kincaid: A Mountain Man's Treachery provided a classic, action-based Western adventure. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/kincaid?fbclid=IwAR0YwbeIybGwAw6Fgfpkv1DXoPaQNpmlszuq6vUHkSQ9Rlr9Nk7cTKygeZY#

The Siege: The Mimosa Tales: Book One by Linda Thackeray was absolutely action-based with shocking villains and heroic defenders. 

 https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-siege/1?fbclid=IwAR0brvyM_y0t4amg6_s_TIwquCKs6mWISt0JY0oaniT7zu-Ku8qHDdSyyE0#

 

A Perfect Storm of Injustice by Jack A. Saarela was like a docu-drama in that it presented a fictionalized, but realistic account of a falsely accused man. It also dealt with real social issues. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/a-perfect-storm-of-injustice?fbclid=IwAR1b1xwvKgS-NG1DuFMM7_iYO1GCZr8HBy1v5cMZAhCe7U4do6htapLKe8c# 

 

RS: More Gaming Fiction: Nera Vivaldi

 

Cookmancer Online by Nera Vivaldi

I wasn’t sure what to think when I saw the cover and read the blurb. I wondered what sort of LitRPG would use cooking – and the talk of scoring points - was the heroine participating in a reality television show like Master Chef? 

However, when I got past the uniqueness of the concept, I found Cookmancer Online was an absorbing read. Genuine gaming fiction, with a few twists. Apparently, Earth ought to have become uninhabitable, but it was saved by an artificial intelligence. The opposite of the TERMINATOR plot – but a certain amount of cyber paranoia remains. Is the artificial intelligence truly neutralised – and is it genuinely benign?

The villain is an ex-boyfriend, creating drama and tension.  I immensely enjoyed my review copy accessed through Book Sirens.

https://www.amazon.com/Cookmancer-Online-LitRPG-GameLit-Novel-ebook/dp/B08JYGYCVM/r

RS: Charming Holiday Fiction: Link by Link Edited by Meg Dailey & Thankfully in Love by Anna J. Stewart

Link by Link Edited by Meg Dailey

 

A charming collection that proves not all ghosts are scary. Most of the ghosts in this story have returned to right wrongs and support loved ones. One or two I’m not sure are ghosts; they are supernatural creatures that only certain individuals or animals can see. The volume is value-packed, with each tale being so complete that it deserves an individual mention.

 

Between the Quiet by Candace Robinson –is a sweet tale where a friend cares enough to attempt matchmaking from beyond the grave. The Spirit of You by Elle Beaumont – another sweet tale featuring a boyfriend who cares enough for a lingering farewell. I Saw Her Again by Lauren Emily Whalen – is an inclusive story about lost love and regret. Yesterday’s News by Leslie Rush – explores the ability of a message from the past to alter the future.

 

Paw Prints by Kristin Jacques – is an incredibly cute tale that asks whether pets might actually know best? Coffee Talk by M. Dalto – is a charming love story. But who are the invisible mentors? Bound by What by Jess Moore – a morality tale where a woman is tasked with the burden of preventing a tragedy her selfishness caused. Charing Cross by Pam S. Dunn –is a unique detective story with “gaslamp” fantasy overtones. The Recipe for Cornbread by C. Vonzale Lewis – is a tale where Grandmother appears to help prepare the festive meal. This one dug deep emotionally and I think it was my favorite.

 

I read an advance review copy provided by Book Sirens, and I write reviews because I really enjoy reading.

 Thankfully in Love by Anna J. Stewart

Thankfully good! Four excellent holiday romances: they are clean romances, but you can feel the emotions better that way. 

NO PLACE LIKE HOME by Anna J. Stewart – verged on being a holiday thriller.

SECOND CHANCES by Kayla Perrin – combined a holiday break up with the dream of “the one that got away”. 

DOG-GONE HOLIDAY by Melinda Curtis - employed a bit of magical realism. 

LOVE GUIDES THE WAY by Cari Lynn – I don’t know about you, but I found this one to be a tear-jerker. 

I read a review copy supplied by Book Sirens, and am happy to recommend any of these stories to someone wanting positively themed festive entertainment.

https://www.amazon.com/Thankfully-Love-Thanksgiving-Anna-Stewart-ebook/dp/B08D3TBSTJ/

Readers' Favorite Reviews: Non Fiction

 

The Wandering Investor by Brendan Hughes contains a survey of the tourist attractions and economics of several countries. It is partially investment advice, part travelogue. Countries surveyed included New Zealand, Australia, Belize, and Iceland. The middle sections cover Peru, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Chile. Botswana sounds surprisingly good despite the drawback of a large desert. The latter half discusses Canada, Colombia, India, Cuba, Singapore, and Malaysia. Hughes makes Colombia sound frightening, but apparently, it has good economic prospects. Singapore apparently has strong manufacturing, health care, and education; as well as tourism. It seems to be booming. Malaysia has diversified into manufacturing and is growing. Finally, Indonesia is rated for its strong tourism and domestic activity. Then Hughes brought things together in the analytical sections: “Travel Lessons Learned” and “What Makes a Successful Economy?”  

 

The Wandering Investor is a unique volume. It was stimulating to read about Hughes’ visit to my own country; and all his adventures in other countries. Every chapter is introduced by an account of the Hughes escapades in that particular country. I liked the fact that the end of each chapter was illustrated with black and white photographs. I used to read finance magazines, so I was interested in what Hughes had to say. Hughes’ assessments were generally shrewd; although the situation in Australia required him to write an “update” section. Some people will want to read about Hughes' travel, while others will want to read about investments. There is something in The Wandering Investor for everyone.

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/guidance-and-encouragement-from-isaiah?fbclid=IwAR2eFmPxRXqt12HlWW_eXRR7REklqm01x2aZ_5IPd2DX62VIl7cHXsP6m78#

 

 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/crossing-jordan-rivers?fbclid=IwAR2CLQ-QQS1uYJVMR7g9iqWGiUGEd4cP-AeyL_3PFmW_nQa_YrPjktJ1pis#

Review Policy

 

I write for a number of sites, so I am sumarising my review policy here. In all instances, I attempt to provide a professional review.

 

WEEKEND NOTES

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-          Reviews are for entertainment purposes

-          Public interest and the experience of the reader are considered in the point of view.

-          Links to the product may be included at the editor’s discretion (not mine).

-          Links to the supplier’s website are encouraged

-          Does not allow negative reviews. (These would set a poor tone for an entertainment magazine).

-          Once posted WN claims copyright. You could quote 10% as “fair usage” when referring to the review – but not reprint the review.

-          Pays its reviewers a small amount when views have accumulated. This amount comes from advertising revenue.

-          Has editors that check the reviews for spelling errors, misrepresentation and major red flags.

-          More terms and conditions are available here: https://www.weekendnotes.com/faq/#what

 

HUBPAGES

-          Does not allow commercial use, but is open to literature, self-help, media reviews and opinion.

-          Requires original content, so a review posted elsewhere would not be accepted.

-          Third party contributors (eg. reviewers) retain copyright. However, as the review needs to be original to Hubpages, it cannot be reprinted elsewhere without being removed from the site.

-          Has affiliated sites it may display the review on, if it feels the article meets the criterion.

-          Limits what it considers “promotional links”, so may not link back to the provider’s webpage, or sales platform.

-          Has a revenue system whereby a very small amount is earned by clicks. This is generally very slow.

-          Has editors check articles for formatting, spelling and grammatical errors.

-          Full terms and conditions are available here: https://maven.io/company/pages/terms

AMAZON

 These are “customer reviews”. I consider them different to literary reviews or “peer reviews”, so I will always MAKE THEM SHORTER.

-          The audience is the general consumer, so reviews will be LESS TECHNICAL.

-          “Spoilers” devalue the product, so I will be avoiding summarizing the plot or telling the story.

-          It is against “Terms of Service” to pay for a review, accept payment for a review or pressure the reviewer into giving a positive review.

-          As a keen reader, I am generally happy to give out positive reviews. HOWEVER, I feel effusive praise reads like advertising copy, and will avoid this.

-          Please do not be disappointed if your review contains an honest response or piece of constructive criticism.

-          Other Terms and Conditions can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G3UA5WC5S5UUKB5G

GOODREADS

-          Goodreads is a more relaxed site and does not require the purchase of the book.

-          It allows positive and negative reviews, and to some extent, thought provoking opinions.

-          The focus is required to be on the work rather than the person.

-          Links appear to be allowed, as long as they provide useful information and are not spam. (Blogs appear preferred to sales platforms.)

-          Content must be original, so the same review cannot be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Angus and Robertson and a blog. (These would all have to be written separately).

-          Due to the above requirement, the review can only be quoted with acknowledgement.

-          Dialogue between reviewers is allowed so long as it is polite.

-          Commercial reviews are not allowed.

-          Goodreads does not endorse reviews and may remove them at their discretion.

-          These are not so much “customer reviews” – the book may have been obtained anywhere, (eg. lending library), but “consumer reviews”.

-          Because Goodreads appears so casual, it is not my primary choice for posting technical criticism.

-          More guidelines are available at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/guidelines

 

 ALL OTHER SITES

-          The review must abide by the terms and conditions of that site.

-          The review will be designed for the readers of that site.

My Reviewer Profile Generated by Book Sirens

 The BookSirens algorithm analysed my Goodreads reviews and returned following feedback. 

Preferred Genres:

"Cecelia reads a diverse set of genres. However, Cecelia primarily reviews Fiction, Fantasy, and non-fiction. Cecelia rates Fiction books the highest, on average, with an average rating of 4.2."

"Within Fiction, Cecelia specifically reviews Speculative Fiction, Classics, Romance, Action / Adventure, and Drama.

Things are prone to change over time, so you can check out my current review profile using the interactive widget below. 

Gaming Fiction By Matt Dinniman

Every Grain of Sand by Matt Dinniman

An action adventure, which appears to be aimed at the Young Adult market, because of the age of the characters. However, it does contain a few mature triggers – violence and sexual references. I had very high expectations, because I have enjoyed the author’s LITRPG fiction. This is not the same. It is readable, but not as gripping and addictive. 

I also squirmed a little at the characterisation. The characters are multicultural, but it seems there is too much emphasis on race. “Indigo” was a complex persona, but on the surface, presented as dark skinned. Indigo means very dark blue – and may be a popular girls name in some circles – but I don’t know - a coloured name?? The Australian boy has an “accent”, although no one speaks either British or American English in the after-world. GRR. Even the Japanese girl seems a bit over defined by her culture. Good try Matt – but maybe you could tweak it a little.

I read an advance review copy delivered by Book Sirens.   

Kaiju by Matt Dinniman

I had a peek at the other reviews and was almost frightened to read this book. I am now up to Chapter 11, and I can report that it does qualify as gaming fiction – although full immersion, forced gaming is a bit different. I can think of a few things in real life that it could function as a metaphor for… 

Yes, it is body horror, as the gaming is happening inside a mythical creature. The protagonist has chosen an unusually visceral race/class and hosts a parasite. I believe there is worse to come, the author even warns in the imprint. However, I’m female, a little bit fussy, and I’m not stopping reading – yet.

Okay, now I’m on Chapter 26. A quest plot has formed, and while the “game” is very subversive regarding normal boundaries, I have concluded the author is having a good old chuckle as he writes. Maybe it’s horror. Maybe it’s gross comedy. 

Don’t expect a WOW or MMORPG piece of fan fiction. This is truly bizarre original gaming as it could be comedy-horror! I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens and I am leaving this honest review.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Let’s start with a disclaimer: I love Gaming Fiction. I nearly missed out on this gem, however, because it sounded as though the humour would overshadow the gaming elements. Luckily, I gave the story a chance, because it was well written, classic gaming fiction.

It was so good, that I was even willing to forgive the story for finishing just after level two. There were hints at something like thirteen levels, so this decent sized book will have to be followed by something like six other books, unless the writer starts to condense levels. Well, say there are at least three books, I’m signing up to read them all, because this is a great gaming romp. The journey is worth it, I don’t care that it is going to take a while, and involve several volumes. I will even forgive the cliff hanger, although – I’m desperate to know what game class Carl chooses. 

Oh, the feline side kick is an addictive touch. One for cat lovers, or gamers who love pet and animal races. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Write more Matt. I read a review copy provided by Book Sirens, but that didn’t affect my opinion. Did I say I love Gaming Fiction?

Reviews of Young Adult Literature: Sophie Jupillat Posey, Ariele Sieling, & Shay Lee Giertz

The Four Suitors by Sophie Jupillat Posey

It has a great title and good cover. But in early chapters the princess is annoying and her childhood actions may be at the root of the kingdoms problems. The four suitors are – four tutors. 

As the story begins to delve into what is wrong with the kingdom, it picks up interest. Curiosity is evoked and suspense. The princess starts to develop some character, as do her suitors. By the middle of the book, I was fascinated. 

There was a satisfying arc to the resolution, and the ending was really radical. The second half of the book is close to being worth five stars. (I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review out of my interest in literature.)

The Silver Arm by Ariele Sieling

This was a shorter read, which was suitable for young adult readers. I liked the fact that it was a science fiction reworking of Beauty and the Beast, but I would have preferred it worked from the classic tale, rather than the Disney cartoon. The characters of Maybelle and Gabor were a little obvious. 

Technically, the book was flawlessly written. This made it an easy read. It also made me want to read more by the same author. That pure style could do great things on the right plot!

I accessed a review copy, but I do recommend the story for its target young adult audience.

Falling Too Deep by Shay Lee Giertz

Young adult fiction written in an accessible style, with a likeable first person narrator.  I love the loop – is it memory or time travel? By Chapter 5, I can’t tell and long to read on… So we go into a Groundhog day sort of “do over”. It’s great that the heroine tries to make different decisions. The suspense builds. I wonder what has really happened, and whether trying to change the past will work. Is there a secret mechanism behind everything?

The surprises keep coming in a satisfying way. The book mentions God, and appears to have a moral compass, but does not preach. It is good as a fantasy, and also unexpectedly qualifies as Christian literature. I couldn’t put it down to do the things I ought to have been doing…

I had an advanced review copy from Book Sirens.

Lake of Secrets by Shay Lee Giertz

I am becoming a fan of this woman’s writing, although this book was dramatically different from her other one. This story would best be described as a dramatic mystery. It was also a ghost story. The intricacies of the plot defy description, but I can say that it will keep you guessing until the very end.

 The author described the ending as a “cliff hanger”, but I beg to differ. There is room for a sequel, but I would describe the ending of this book as satisfying. A twist, but complete in itself.

 Altogether well written and entertaining. Possibly suited for Young Adult audience, but I would suggest it would be of interest to New Adult readers, due to the fact that the characters are over eighteen, finished school and considering university/careers. 

Reviews of Mature Literature: Cheryl R Cowtan, Sian Ceinwen, Krista Walsh, Jayce Jarvis & Lori Hope

 

The Precious Quest by Cheryl R Cowtan

A couple of nice touches – the disclaimer is not the standard one, but adds to the atmosphere of the story. The tone seems medieval, with a few speech archaisms. I hope this is not a spoiler, but the heroine being a “mantie” or some sort of alien / otherworld creature adds interest to the tale. There is a nice sense of destiny and fate, which matches the genre.

The introduction of new characters and added backstory for old characters begins to twist the plot and add interest. The choice of mate is always interesting, especially when there are complications & race fertility issues to increase the stakes. 

I thought the page count a bit short – the end is a cliff-hanger, designed to make one buy the next book in the series. The next book sounds good, but I am not a fan of the strategy. 

I read an advance review copy.

The wedding by Sian Ceinwen

Good title (not original, but grabs the attention every time). Nice cover. Well written. It’s a drama about being rich and famous; if that is your fantasy. The villain position appears to be occupied by the media, which reminds me of the princess Diana story.

The subtitle says the book is steamy, so on downloading one knows there will be explicit sex scenes. The connection between the main characters seems primarily physical, and it is vulnerable to manipulation. They need to develop more of a heart and soul relationship. I was worried for a while there would not be a happy ending. 

I read a review copy from Book Sirens. 

Shadows in the Garden Hotel by Krista Walsh

First of all, I loved the cover. Secondly, the book was well written. Thirdly, from the first line, it was clear this was no cuddly, try not to actually hurt anyone, soap opera demoness. The protagonist was badass. But then the story became confusing, because she was in danger from something worse.

I liked the concept, and thought it was very clever, but the story could have used more atmosphere to transform it from regular thriller into true paranormal fantasy. The Dragur could also have been more developed as frightening monsters and given more motivation. 

In the notes near the end, I read this comes from a series, and the author has had a go at giving one of her more challenging characters a tale. It might be worth checking her other books out. 

My copy was an advance review.

Secret Courtship by Jaycee Jarvis

The story began well, with a little culture building. Then there was an explicit representation of pretty much meaningless sex. I know sex is supposed to sell – but to the majority of female readers – it is actually the dream of love that sells. 

The book became much more interesting once the protagonists began to communicate. Even if they were fighting, or refusing to cooperate with the prophecy. Miscommunication can be entertaining, building up the tension. The author drew this out as long as they could. 

Now the characters appear to be having difficult progressing from the physical into the emotional. If you like a lot of icky description – you will be happy. Luckily, for those who also like plot, there is a disease spreading around the city, and animals to be cured. The story really comes into its prime as these threads are explored. 

I was attracted by the cover image and read a review copy. 

The Fall of Arcades By Lori Hope 

I liked the way the main female character, Rayelynn, was set up, and looked forward to reading about her negotiating a life for herself amongst all the abuse of her situation. However, she very soon met the fallen angel, Farrow, and the story took a very different direction.

 At this point, I am enjoying the story, except for one thing. Two first person POVs don’t do it for me. I always think first person narrative smacks of laziness, and has to be done very well to work. But instead of building two definitive characters, it seems like the writer has used the same voice, TWICE.

 The twin themes of love (actually lust in this context) and violence polarised the story. A crazy paranormal ride with plenty of melodrama, and a few twists. Writing needs subtlety to provide enduring appeal, but this achieves its aims of entertaining on first reading. 

Book Sirens provided me with a review copy.