Tag: sci-fi

October Book Reviews! #DanAntion #PatriciaFurstenburg #DawnPasturino #SylviaKayRose #NicholasCRossi #LindaBroday #MaggieWatson #whattoread #mustreads #bookreviews #writingcommunity

Here are the books I read in September that I rated four or five stars.

The Museum Murders: A Rascal Todd Mystery

By Dan Antion

Rascal the journalist is back with a new mystery. She is pulled into a case where a woman’s sister disappears, and a man dies in an accident. The story has many twists and turns as Rascal tries to figure out what is going on. I love the setting and learning about Pittsburgh, including an old canal and the underground railway. There is lots of good food along the way, even for Bonkers the cat, and sports mixed in. Makes me feel like I’ve been to Pittsburgh, but I haven’t yet. Rascal is a favorite character along with Bonkers, and I love her relationship with both her boss and boyfriend. I changed my mind more than once about who I thought the killer was, but in the end I was surprised by how it all played out. This is a good cozy mystery that I can easily recommend!

 

Hermannstadt, 1241: The Mongol Invasion – A Short Story

By Patricia Furstenberg

I have been enjoying the historical fiction stories set in Transylvania. I was eager to read this short story that focused on the Mongolian attacks. Katharina and her family lived in a new settlement, full of hope. Rumors of village attacks circulated, but they dismissed them as gossip. Katharina spent time exploring the forest and met a new friend. Her new friend taught her which plants were safe to eat and where to find things. The setting was so beautifully presented that I could imagine being there with them, walking through the forest. The research is woven in so nicely that I learned and was entertained at the same time. I couldn’t put the story down as I had to know what happened to this girl and her village. This is a group of people that I would love to know more about. I can highly recommend this read!


The Punishment: A Gothic Horror Microfiction Story
by Dawn Pisturino

This is a very short Halloween read for a lunch break, during advertisements, or when you just need a quick break from what you are doing. This little story takes the throwing rocks at an old house theme in a new direction. I could easily imagine the setting, which was accomplished in very few but meaningful words. The ending surprised and upset me, which means it was able to touch my emotions. I couldn’t check out the interactive link on my old Kindle, but it’s a good idea to add that at the end of the story. A good scary read for the season.

Killer Compost

By Sylvia Kay Rose

“Killer Compost” cleverly blends sci-fi, drama, comedy, and horror in an apocalyptic story. On Earth, an apocalyptic war rages between humans and robots led by a human; meanwhile, the hidden space station Pharos houses scientists. The group works on a living compost to repair the damage the robots are causing as they try to kill or capture humans. When one of the scientists goes missing, things change quickly. While on Earth, Druscilla and her sidekick scientist, Leo, want to control the world. Leo is creating a huge robot to kill the pockets of humans they haven’t already put in camps to chip and control. Lance, a cargo and mercenary space captain, arrives at the space station with supplies and gets caught up in what is going on aboard the ship. In the mix is a hidden rebel base on Earth that works with the space station, trying to save humanity and the planet, plus pockets of the super-rich who found ways to survive. The story has a big cast of characters, but the ones that stood out to me were a helpful, lovesick android named Mary Lou and Lance, who kind of reminded me of Han Solo. I could sympathize with the compost, ERCA, as well. This is a well-written, entertaining read, and I was rooting for the good robots and humans to save the world and themselves. I can easily recommend this page-turner!

Infinite Waters: A Collection of Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction Short Stories

Nicholas C. Rossis

“Infinite Waters” is a short story collection tied together by the “Infinite Waters” story. In this story, a writer goes in to get her future read and advice. Her story is told between the other stories, making this a unique read. I won’t pick a favorite because I enjoyed them all. Although it was a quick read for me, there was a lot packed into those stories. Well written and hard to put down. I can easily recommend this collection!

Bright is the Light: A Christmas Novel

By Linda Broday

A former Civil War soldier, Calder couldn’t escape its horrors. He drifted from town to town, ending up in a Texas town called Jubilee right before a snowstorm was about to hit. He found a family renting out a room and only planned to stay a while before moving on. Kate is the daughter who is caring for her disabled mom and a younger brother, Micah, who most people believe is simple-minded and should be institutionalized. My favorite relationship that develops is between Micah and Calder, and of course, the pup. Both the family and Calder have been through trauma, and how they interact is so heartwarming. The story offers a chance to heal, second chances, and a realistic setting, but the focus on the lantern and the tradition behind it captured my imagination. What a wonderful tradition to try to recreate on Christmas Eve. This is a beautifully written story of broken people and hope. It is the perfect read for the holidays, and if you need inspiration, this is the story for you. I can easily recommend it.

Pieces of Me: A Collection of Poems

By Maggie Watson

“Pieces of Me” is a painful yet beautiful written collection of poetry broken into three parts that centers on mental abuse suffered in a relationship. The raw emotion paints a picture of how words can chip away at the soul. The words stirred so many emotions in me, including anger, sadness, and admiration for being able to not only move past it but share it. Here are some that touched me: “She was me, but she could have easily been you./Like a hunter, that stalk their prey before they choose their next victim./I don’t call myself a victim…”—SHE, “Her ink is the light on her darkest nights./It is her anchor when she is drowning…”—HER STORIES,  “For years, a marionette on a string./With sadness in her eyes./ A plea for freedom unheard by all…”—MARIONETTE, “A candle extinguished./ I relinquished my soul./The flame of my spirit I did forego…”—EXTINGUISHED, “Rivers of pain once eroded my spirit/while oceans of tears flowed from my eyes…”—FIGHTBACK, and “I am a leaf blowing in the wind./ I am a bird that soars and flies…”—I AM (BECOMING). Heartfelt poems that not only show what gaslighting is but make us feel it. I can easily recommend this.

Feed that inner child by reading a great book! Denise

March Book Reviews! #teripolen #suewickstead #TWDittmer#RobbieCheadle #DanAlatorre #nicholasRossis #johnhowellauthor #writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread

Here are the great books I read in February (or were released in that month) that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Barty Barton: The Bear that was loved too much

By Sue Wickstead

Barty was a fluffy brown bear that was loved by Thomas. Time passed, and Thomas left, while Barty stayed. When Thomas was about to have his own baby, he rejected his old friend because of his appearance. This is when Barty and his friends are offered a makeover. This was a sweet story that kind of reminded me of Toy Story and the toys’ loyalty to their child. Colorful illustrations and the story drew me in, and I can see a beginning reader loving it, too. This would also make a great family-time read. I can easily recommend this story!

A Spooky Tale: A walk with our teacher

By Sue Wickstead

This is a charming book for beginning readers or for family reading time. A class doesn’t want to go on a walk, and we soon find out why they don’t feel so well. They run into a ghost, crocodile, dinosaur, a slippery waterfall, and many other things. I loved the students’ response, but I especially enjoyed how the teacher reacted at the end—I don’t blame her! Included is a map of their walk. The book’s illustrations are beautiful, and I read it on my phone to appreciate the colors and details. It would make a fantastic gift or a wonderful addition to any family’s collection of children’s books!

The Gemini Connection

By Teri Polen

“The Gemini Connection” is an engaging YA science fiction novel. Evan and Simon are twins who share a unique bond while living on a dying planet. Simon is talented and favored by their parents. He is recruited to help save their world. Evan is well-liked, but deep down, he feels his parents’ disapproval. When Simon disappears after his mentor is imprisoned in another realm, Evan feels guilty and lost without their connection. He becomes a bender who enters people’s minds to help heal them if possible. Still, his main focus is to find his brother. His brother’s partner, who happens to be his worst enemy, is someone from whom he will need assistance. I appreciate the relationship between Simon and Evan; it embodies pure love that, although severed, remains. While Evan lacks support from his distant parents, he does have his best friend, Syd, and a job where he flourishes. I also like how the narrative shifts perspectives between Evan and Simon, providing a comprehensive view of each character’s thoughts. This story explores not only family and brotherhood but also themes of power, corruption, and unique abilities. I found it to be a real page-turner, making it difficult to put down. I can easily recommend this!

Five-Toed Tigress

By T.W. Dittmer

I loved the first book I read by Mr. Dittmer, “The Valley Walker” and was eager to read “Five-Toed Tigress.” This story took off as an FBI thriller with paranormal and sexual tensions mixed in. Hawke is a vet recruited into the FBI. He is introduced to his beautiful new boss, Tulene, and an equally attractive chain-smoking partner, Gundrum. Hawke tries to keep things professional as he learns about his new job, while deeply yearning for a woman from his past. He is quickly thrown into a case where his military background is a tremendous asset in saving Tulene and Gundrum. There seem to be ties to Cambodia and characters from “The Valley Walker.” There is also a group that wants to cause harm, a rich man no one can touch, and something stalking humans in the forest. The attention to detail, including the military, made this feel even more real to me. I enjoyed the relationship between Hawke and his partner and was sometimes confused by his boss, which left me wondering how it would all play out. The best part was the unknown and how that weaved into Hawke’s life. A strong man, bearing life’s burdens, he consistently strived for righteousness. This is a very layered and unusual story that held my attention from the first chapter to the very end. I can highly recommend this one, especially to those who love a good thriller with paranormal mixed in.

Spellbound The Box Under the Bed #4

By Dan Alatorre, Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Contributor), M.D. Walker (Editor/Contributor), Ellen Best, Kaye Booth, Alana Turner, Christine Valentor, Nick Vossen, Anne Marie Andrus, Adele Marie Park, M.J. Mallon, Dabney Farmer, Ernesto San Giacomo, Betty Valentine, Geoff LePard, Frank Parker, Joanne R. Larner

A wonderfully scary collection of authors and stories. There are many stories I enjoyed consisting of authors I was familiar with and some new ones. Here are a few examples, “I watched as his arm changed into a wing, large as an angel’s, black as onyx. The other followed, and he transformed into a grotesque thing, unnatural and twofold. Half man, half swan.”—The Most Valuable Skill by Christine Valentor. “I woke to the sound of my own shrill screaming. The same nightmare, the one that constantly haunted my dreams when the climate control was out, now entrenched the strange images in my head. I was staring out a window, unable to breathe, as my parents’ bodies drifted through the cold, dark space.”— Holly and George by MD Walker.  “Today was the day. In all technicality, it would be tonight, but that didn’t matter. It had been a month since the last time. The Beast was clawing at the walls to be free once more. It would get its way tonight. It would only have to be patient, twelve more hours. I would bide our time until then.”—The Killer Wolf by Alana Turner. “Some one comes. Yes, yes. No, not mistress. She is gone. I told you she is beyond our reach. Be quiet! They come. They will see us. Back. Back.”—Mirror by Adele Marie Park. Here’s the one that still haunts me with its stark reality, “The emperor’s main advisor, the High Priest of the capital city of Cusco, addressed the deity. ‘The mountain gods are angry and need to be appeased before they will send rain and restore life to our crops. A Capacocha ceremony is necessary. You must advise the chiefs to bring their sacrificial offering to the city at once and I will arrange their distribution through the empire. I will lead the ceremony at which the purest and most beautiful children will be offered.’” —Death is About Choices by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This is a good anthology for those who enjoy short horror stories where you get sixteen different styles presented to you.

Everyone Hates This Restaurant: An illustrated children’s book

By Nicholas C. Rossis

Mr. Rossis dedicated “Everyone Hates This Restaurant” to his daughter, who loves sweets. The illustrations are vivid and fun, adding to the delightful theme of the story. The family dislikes a restaurant, and it’s explained why, but still the daughter insists on going to it. It isn’t a place I’d like to eat at either with the things described, although I can fully understand her reason for wanting to go there. They have the best desserts. Who doesn’t love a good dessert? This is a story that parents can read to their children or it’s suitable for beginning readers. This would make a great gift for younger readers, and I can easily recommend it.

by John W. Howell

This has been a series I have thoroughly enjoyed, and I was looking forward to reading the third story. It didn’t disappoint and veered off into a time-traveling mystery. It was great to see all the main characters back, especially James, Sam, and the Oldsmobile, and their current souls to save. Lucifer is also around with his signature humor, although at times I wished he’d go away and leave them alone, but he always did make it a page-turner. There was a nice blend of history and current affairs, and I found it hard to put down during any of their excursions or just in general. I was touched to see a fellow author who we lost as a character. What a great tribute to him. There were some twists, and one completely took me by surprise. This series has taken us to our past, present, and future while growing relationships and making us wonder if this is how it will be. A fantastic story that I can highly recommend.

Next week is the Creative Perspective Challenge #3!

Watch for special post Wednesday 🙂

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book or two! D. L. Finn