Lucky by RH Webster
Publisher: Outer Boundary Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (256 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe
Life in the space lanes isn’t the easiest, but for Trigg Donner, commander of the space freighter Rosebud, it’s more than a steady paycheck–it’s home. But when a routine landing on San Pedro unearths a mystery simmering on his own ship, Trigg comes face to face with his own fears and distrust.
After spending several years stranded on a distant mining colony, former graduate student Cassandra “Lucky” Luckenbach finally has enough money saved up to catch a spaceship back home to Earth. She boards the Rosebud unaware that she is walking into the middle of a life-altering interstellar conspiracy. Mystery, adventure, and romance await her on the flight home. Before she arrives on Earth, she will be forced to ask herself what it is that she really wants, and who she wants to be.
August Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Lucky by RH Webster
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #2
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (349 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by PoinsettiaThe last unvanquished piece of England, Wessex is eyed hungrily by the fearsome Viking conquerors. A dispossessed young nobleman, Uhtred is tied to the imperiled land by birth and marriage but was raised by the Danish invaders—and he questions where his allegiance must lie. But blood is his destiny, and when the overwhelming Viking horde attacks out of a wintry darkness, Uhtred must put aside all hatred and distrust and stand beside his embattled country’s staunch defender—the fugitive King Alfred.
The Pale Horseman is a gripping, monumental adventure that gives breathtaking life to one of the most important epochs in English history—yet another masterwork from New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell.
Uhtred holds the fate of England in his hands.
Before reading this installment in the Saxon Stories, I recommend reading The Last Kingdom, the first book in the series, not only because this tale picks up where The Last Kingdom left off, but also to better understand Uhtred’s history and his complicated relationships. Also, I must warn readers that The Pale Horseman, contains graphic violence as well as rape, though the rape is not described in detail.
It has been an adventure watching Uhtred grow up! He’s married, become a father, survived his first shield wall, and killed the Danish warrior Ubba. Uhtred feels he’s done more than enough to prove himself. However, Alfred doesn’t completely trust Uhtred because of his refusal to become a Christian and his divided loyalties. It is easy to sympathize with Uhtred because he is much more likable than Alfred, but I will admit I can see Alfred’s point of view at times. Alfred is a man mature beyond his years with carefully laid, long-term plans. In contrast, Uhtred is wild and quite immature at times, and while he has some long-term goals, he tends to live in the moment. Uhtred can make or break Alfred’s plans, and that makes Alfred uncomfortable. That being said, I’ve found Uhtred to be a man of his word. If he says he will accomplish something, he will. Uhtred doesn’t understand why that isn’t enough for Alfred. I find the relationship between Uhtred and Alfred fascinating. I can’t help but wonder what these two great men could accomplish if they could find a way to work together. Unfortunately, I fear they are doomed to never see eye to eye.
Denied the credit for the victory at Cynuit, Uhtred is understandably angry. In his frustration, he makes life changing decisions that will bring him joy, sorrow, and again put him at odds with Alfred. Uhtred is still truly torn between the Saxons and the Danes. There are moments where I held my breath because Uhtred’s choices literally had the power to change the future of England.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this chapter in Uhtred’s life, and I can’t wait to see what he will do next! I look forward to picking up the next book in this captivating series.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Length: Full Length (249 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaIn April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.
Harrowing, heartbreaking and moving.
There are lots of books that stay with the reader far after the last page. I’ve read books lately that are heartbreaking. It’s good that they’ve touched a nerve. This book… I’m not sure where to start.
The writing flows well and drew me right in to the story. I wanted to know what would happen to Lale. My heart went out to Lale. I’ve done research and learned about the Holocaust, but this book put things into perspective. Lale did, yet didn’t, have faith and I could understand why. I liked Gita, too. Despite what she’d been through, she never lost her faith. They were a beautiful thing in the midst of such a disgusting event. Even when Gita was at her worst, Lale saw her best. That’s love. That’s the stuff romance should be made of.
I read this book in the course of a day and it was quick, yet hard to read. I have to admit, the note in the back of the book where the author talks about the real Lale, the real man, was the most heartbreaking. This real man went through hell more than once, yet he never quit. I loved the line about how he had to get the words out to the author so he could see Gita (she’d passed away by then). I don’t know how you can’t read this book and not feel for this man.
If you want a book that will make you think, feel and probably cry, then this is the book for you. Recommended.
Scenes from the Heartland: Stories Based on Lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton by Donna Baier Stein
Scenes from the Heartland: Stories Based on Lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton by Donna Baier Stein
Publisher: Serving House Books
Genre: Historical, anthology
Length: Short story (142 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by AloeWhen a contemporary writer turns her imagination loose inside the images of an iconic artist of the past, the result is storytelling magic at its best. Here are nine tales that bring to vivid life the early decades of the 20th century as witnessed by one of America’s most well-known painters. Thomas Hart Benton sketched fiddlers and farm wives, preachers and soldiers, folks gathering in dance halls and tent meetings. Though his lithographs depict the past, the real-life people he portrayed face issues that are front and center today: corruption, women’s rights, racial inequality.
In these stories we enter the imagined lives of Midwesterners in the late 1930s and early 1940s. A mysterious woman dancing to fiddle music makes one small gesture of kindness that helps heal the rift of racial tensions in her small town. A man leaves his childhood home after a tragic accident and becomes involved with the big-time gamblers who have made Hot Springs, Arkansas, their summer playground. After watching her mother being sent to an insane asylum simply for grieving over a miscarriage, a girl determines to never let any man have any say over her body.
Then as now, Americans have struggled with poverty, illness, and betrayal. These fictions reveal our fellow countrymen and women living with grace and strong leanings toward virtue, despite the troubles that face them.
To look at a lithograph and imagine the story it tells takes imagination and creativeness. Ms. Stein has this down. Here she creates nine tales that take you back in time to the era the pictures represent. Everybody was more down home types and all had their private struggles. You’ll remember these tales.
One story is about a schoolteacher who doesn’t approve of the woman chosen for bible classes. When both their boys go on mission to save the ones flooding, they both have more to worry about.
If you were black, you could be beaten up and killed and no one cared. The poor fiddler knew that but folks liked his playing and usually left him alone…
You feel the anguish of the mother watching her son go off to war. Ms. Stein’s words are concise and earthy. You feel the emotions of the characters.
She makes you feel the fear of a woman who thinks she might lose her husband to another woman. There are several stories about young girl’s and their emotions. You can relate to their fears and anxieties.
The story that was the most poignant was the one where the father lost his hands and his lower arms in a piece of farm equipment. He keeps on with metal hooks but there is a final confrontation at the end of the story. You won’t forget that one easily.
All the stories are down to earth and have the feeling of family history being shared. What you read will stick with you long after you put the book down.
Trouble in Rio by Carl Weber with M. T. Pope
Trouble in Rio by Carl Weber with M. T. Pope
Publisher: Urban Books
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (240 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by GingerRio Duncan is one of the youngest children of the Duncan clan. With no solid position in the family business like his other siblings, he has been feeling out of place and decides to disappear. Rio leaves his Duncan identity behind and goes on a search for friends and family who can relate to him. His destination is Baltimore, and he is sure to find what he is looking for in the city with a community like no other. There, he also finds unexpected trouble.
Corey Grant is making a name for himself in Baltimore with an inherited drug empire and a complicated relationship with his right-hand man. With plenty on his plate, Corey has almost no time for the romance he wants with Dre, and he feels like they are growing apart. That brings about a jealousy and insecurity that he doesn’t know how to control.
Diana Black is Corey’s girlfriend-for-hire, and she has a taste for bad boys. She is loyal to Corey’s cause, but how long will that last?
Rio’s personality and flair instantly gains him entrance into Corey’s circle. Rio says he’s looking for friends, but Corey is sure that other motives are on the table. When Rio has a change of heart about his newfound crew, he needs an escape plan. There is one problem: his family doesn’t know where he is. Did he inherit any of the ruthless traits he observed in his father and brothers? Can the most colorful Duncan son get out of Baltimore and back home safe and sound now that he’s on his own?
The Duncan family is known for having plenty of action and drama and even though Rio is the baby of the family the drama he brings to the family measures up just the same as any of the other Duncan children.
As a fan of the Family Business series I appreciated seeing Rio in a different light and to read a story of him on his own. Rio isn’t feeling the love and attention from his family. He’s feeling like he isn’t understood and that he doesn’t bring value to the family as his other brothers and sisters do. He decides to take a break away from it all, partly to see if his family even notices that he’s gone and partly to do what Rio enjoys – have fun and enjoy the luxury of his lifestyle. In the big city of Baltimore, trouble surely does find him.
In this story Corey, Diana, Dre and Pierre are introduced. Corey Parks, owner of the night club Wet Dreams, has inherited his father’s drug business. In his line of business, Corey has a secret that he feels can’t be told so he take measures to cover up his secret. Corey also owns Chic World where Diana works as a sought after fashion stylist. Rio’s desire for fashion is how he meets Diana. And so it begins – this is a quick read with a moving plot that Carl Weber is known for. I didn’t want to put the book down until I had finished the story. The authors touched on a sensitive subject of sexuality, those that fear it and those that also hide from it. The story was done in good taste but some of the name calling could be offensive to some readers. Also, this book has a same sex relationship, though there’s not any sexual action, I still feel the need to mention this in my review since the character’s sexuality is heavily mentioned in the storyline.
As with the books before this author knows how to keep the readers interest. He’s a professional storyteller whose characters range from ordinary to eccentric to treacherous. Rio is the eccentric portion of that, and readers will also find the treacherous side in this read. That’s what makes his writing so entertaining the plot is attention catching but he also has well developed characters that draw the readers into their thoughts and mannerisms. Reading his books is not just a story it’s getting to really know someone.
There are secrets that will be revealed. My attention was so focused on one portion of the plot that I didn’t realize there was more to it until it was revealed.
I enjoyed reading Rio’s story and I can say that Rio can hold his own and definitely prove that he is a Duncan. I loved how the family showed Rio that he is part of the family. This is an entertaining read that I would recommend.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories #1
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full length (333 pages)
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by PoinsettiaThe first installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.
In the middle years of the ninth century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England—and the course of history—depended upon one man, one king.
From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds.
Which side will Uhtred choose?
The story of Uhtred’s life is captivating. Up until the time he was ten, he lived a relatively peaceful life in Bebbanburg. When the Danes invaded, everything changed. Ragnar, Uhtred’s captor, treats him as a son, and Uhtred finds he rather likes living as a Dane. However, as he grows older, he isn’t so sure where his loyalty should lie. Should he fight with the Saxons he was born to, or the Danes who raised him? Uhtred has friends among the Saxons and Danes, and as the struggle for control of England intensifies, he feels the pull to join either side. He is truly a man caught in the middle. As I read, I couldn’t wait to see what he would do next and where his decisions would lead him. I must mention that this book contains some intense battle scenes and graphic violence. Readers sensitive to this material are forewarned.
Uhtred is a fascinating character. He is strong, smart, and brave, but he is also very flawed. He is a bit too proud, and selfish at times. He also has the tendency to act before fully thinking things through. His pursuit of Bebbanburg has caused him to make hasty decisions which end up putting that very goal further from his reach. However, I can’t help but like him. He is also very charming, and he is loyal to those he loves. All of this serves to make Uhtred one of the most wonderfully rounded characters I’ve ever come across.
I love the way Mr. Cornwell has chosen to tell this tale. Uhtred narrates his story speaking as an older man looking back on his life. Even though I know Uhtred survives his adventures, I want to take that journey with him. As I read, I shared his joy, laughter, sorrow, and regret as he reflects on the people he’s known and the decisions he’s made over the course of his life.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the historic detail woven throughout the story, the map, and the historical note at the end of the book. Many of the characters were real people who lived during this time. Of course, Mr. Cornwell has taken some liberties for the sake of the story, but the tale he’s created feels very real. It is easy to imagine that Uhtred really existed.
I absolutely loved reading The Last Kingdom. I was completely immersed in Uhtred’s story and found it extremely difficult to put the book down. I can’t wait to continue reading about his adventures in the next installment of the series!
April Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Edger Lives by David Beem
Edger Lives by David Beem
Publisher: Escapist Press
Genre: Contemporary, Comedy, Action/Adventure, Paranormal
Length: full Length (305 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose
Our dork of destiny rides again!
Edger is falling for Mary, his bodyguard, kick-ass spy, and cover wife. But she’s so hopelessly out of his league, it’s clear someone’s going to get hurt. Less clear? That someone may be the Prime Minister of Australia.When Mary confesses her desire to kill the world leader whose assassination Edger’s supposed to prevent, Edger’s superpowers pick the worst time to stop working. Without a fully functional psychic superhero, their team of spies can no longer order him to probe Mary’s mind for ill intent. The stage is set for a confrontation that threatens to strip a defenseless Edger of his loyal protector just when he needs her most.
Return to the Collective Unconscious, this time with Listerine-chugging stoners, Hollyweirdos, commie-alien-kung fu robots, one space gorilla-unicorn, and an exceedingly lovesick Vladimir Putin.
Mind your fingers and toes on page 270. Those skydiving mind-control monkeys have been known to bite!
Nine Last Days on Planet Earth by Daryl Gregory
Nine Last Days on Planet Earth by Daryl Gregory
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (42 pages)
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeWhen the seeds rained down from deep space, it may have been the first stage of an alien invasion–or something else entirely. How much time do we have left, and do we even understand what timescale to use? As a slow apocalypse blooms across the Earth, planets and plants, animals and microbes, all live and die and evolve at different scales. Is one human life long enough to unravel the mystery?
Nine Last Days on Planet Earth is a Tor.com Original from the award-winning science fiction author Daryl Gregory.
What if the alien invaders humans have long worried about turned out to be plants instead of anything humanoid like us?
I adored the premise of this story from the very first second I read it. Even though I’m an avid reader of science fiction, it’s been a very long time since I read anything about alien species that come to Earth being plants. This isn’t a concept that seems to given a lot of attention in this genre, so I was thrilled to find out how the author would approach it. What made it even better was that the plot itself was somehow more interesting than the blurb! The more I read, I more I wanted to know.
There were a couple of short sections that talked about how the alien plants might have been affecting human’s bodies in certain cases. This was a minor criticism of something I really loved, but I sure would have liked to know more about how this worked and why not everyone seemed to be susceptible to it. The plants were growing so quickly in general that I didn’t quite understand how these parts of the plot fit into their evolution as a whole.
LT was such a well-developed protagonist. Since the audience was able to watch him grow from a child to an adult through all of his various interactions with the alien seeds and plants, we saw many different sides of him. His maturation process was an interesting one. He was so young when the seeds first landed on the Earth that his understanding of what that event meant for human history< and possibly even our survival as a species, was nothing at all like how his parents or other adults would have described it. I deeply enjoyed getting to know this character as he tried to figure out what the intentions of these plants might be.
Nine Last Days on Planet Earth is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves alien stories.
Elevation by Stephen King
Elevation by Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (160 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaAlthough Scott Carey doesn’t look any different, he’s been steadily losing weight. There are a couple of other odd things, too. He weighs the same in his clothes and out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott doesn’t want to be poked and prodded. He mostly just wants someone else to know, and he trusts Doctor Bob Ellis.
In the small town of Castle Rock, the setting of many of King’s most iconic stories, Scott is engaged in a low grade—but escalating—battle with the lesbians next door whose dog regularly drops his business on Scott’s lawn. One of the women is friendly; the other, cold as ice. Both are trying to launch a new restaurant, but the people of Castle Rock want no part of a gay married couple, and the place is in trouble. When Scott finally understands the prejudices they face–including his own—he tries to help. Unlikely alliances, the annual foot race, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction bring out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.
Losing weight without seeming to lose mass…seems strange, doesn’t it?
I’m a sucker for the work of Stephen King. I see a new book and have to have it. When I saw Elevation was coming out, I jumped. The writing flows well. Once I started the book, I had to finish. There was no putting it down and walking away for me. The characters drew me in and I wanted to know what would happen next.
I have to admit I thought the plot, a man losing weight mysteriously, was a tad tired on King’s part. But this take on the trope is fresh. I liked how the author infused bits and pieces of the world right now, too. It felt relevant to what the world is at this moment.
I didn’t like Scott at first. He came across crotchety. But as the story unfolded, I came around to him. Actually, I came around to the rest of the characters. They’re relatable. They’re human. I loved it.
This is a shorter story for King. Keep that in mind. But while it’s short on pages, it’s got a good, solid story. It’s worth the hour or so to read it. If you’re interested in something fresh and contemporary, but still from the mind of Stephen King, then this might be the story you’re looking for.
The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson
The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Inspirational
Length: Full Length (177 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by NymphaeaAfter years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends–plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison’s job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.
Cats and books. It’s a combination I can’t resist.
I’d never read a book by Melody Carlson before this one and I’m glad I did pick this one up. First off, there are cats. Second, there’s a bit of romance. So those had me hooked. It’s got sweet moments, it’s Christmas…what can you say?
I didn’t expect an incredibly deep story. I wanted a nice Christmas tale for a cold evening. This one didn’t disappoint in that respect–it’s a nice book.
If you’re a cat person…there are moments I wasn’t thrilled with the hero. He’s supposed to home the cats his grandmother had and he’s allergic…or is he? I got he wanted to start fresh since he’d just come home from Uganda, but his intentions for getting rid of the cats seemed a tad heartless. I would’ve thought he’d be more concerned about the felines because they were his grandmother’s, rather than so eager to get rid of them.
But I did enjoy the tinge of romance and the holiday spirit in the book.
If you’re looking for a book with cats, Christmas and romance, then this might be the book for you.
