Space Ships & Other Trips by Raven Oak

July 3, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Space Ships & Other Trips by Raven Oak
Publisher: Grey Sun Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Part II of this debut collection by multi-award-winning author and artist Raven Oak brings together speculative fiction stories from the past ten years of her career, ranging from space adventures with a dash of mystery and other near-future tales to post-apocalyptic stories and deep dives into the mind.

You’ll find closed-ship mysteries, foul-acting apps, talking cats, retail hell, and hacked programs in these ELEVEN speculative fiction pieces. Space Ships & Other Trips contains FIVE never-before seen stories for your enjoyment, including a tie-in story from Jeff Sturgeon’s The Last Cities of Earth universe.

STORIES INCLUDED: The Loss of Luna, Hungry, Mouth, Only a Bird, Q-Be, Hands, Ol’ St. Nick, Drip, Level Up, Scout’s Honor, and D.E.A.T.H.

How much hope do you have for the future?

“Only a Bird” explored what happened after some students found an injured bird outside of their classroom. The empathy they had for that creature was beautiful. I especially enjoyed their conversations that compared it to the robotic birds that had just begun to be released into the wild. This was a sweet and gentle story that could fit into so many different genres.

There were several stories in this collection that I thought would have been better with more development. “Drip” was one of them. As intrigued as I was by the protagonist’s struggle with insomnia, I had a lot of unanswered questions about the world they lived in. For example, I would have liked to know what was going on with all of the out-of-control fires they were worrying about as they tried to go to sleep. Was this an unusual portion of daily life in their world or was it something frightening that ordinary people had no choice but to deal with regularly? These sorts of questions about the world building kept popping up for me and influenced the rating I ended up choosing.

To be perfectly honest with all of you, eating out of a dumpster isn’t something I ever expect to read about in the science fiction genre. The fact that “Level Up” began with a scene about the main character doing this intrigued me, especially once she was interrupted a moment later just as she was about to enjoy an English muffin. There are so many plot twists I wish I could dive into, but this is one of those tales that works best for readers who know as little as possible about what is to come. What I can say is that it was creative and made me want more.

This is the second anthology in a series that does not need to be read in order. Just like with Dragon Springs & Other Things, be sure to read the author’s notes to learn about where her ideas came from!

Space Ships & Other Trips was full of surprises.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

National Geographic Kids Everything Mythology: Begin Your Quest for Facts, Photos, and Fun Fit for Gods and Goddesses by Blake Hoena

June 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment


National Geographic Kids Everything Mythology: Begin Your Quest for Facts, Photos, and Fun Fit for Gods and Goddesses by Blake Hoena
Publisher: National Geographic
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Childrens (10+ yrs), Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

National Geographic Everything Mythology is jam packed with fascinating facts and awe-inspiring imagery that brings your favorite fierce mythological heroes to life, introducing kids to gods of ancient worlds, including Greek, Norse, Chinese, American Indian, African cultures, and more. Packed with facts, colorful illustrations, and infused with humor, this fun journey through ancient lore will keep kids fascinated with every turn of the page.

Want to know something about mythology in bites and bits? Then this is the book for you!

I picked up this book because of the impressive art on the front. Who doesn’t like Poseidon? He drew me in, but the text and the storytelling kept me riveted. I blew right through the book and couldn’t get enough. The author doesn’t hit the high points mythology, but also includes more inclusive myths and characters, which I loved. It wasn’t the usual, so every reader will find something new in these pages.

The illustrations and art are fantastic. The factoids are as well. There is a lot to learn in this book. If you’re simply researching mythology, want to start learning about a particular myth or want a point of discussion for you and your reader, then this is the book for you. Check it out!

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

June 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment


This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Time-Travel, Contemporary, Recent Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

What if you could take a vacation to your past?

With her celebrated humor, insight, and heart, beloved New York Times bestseller Emma Straub offers her own twist on traditional time travel tropes and a different kind of love story.

On the eve of her fortieth birthday, Alice’s life isn’t terrible. She likes her job, even if it isn’t exactly the one she expected. She’s happy with her apartment, her romantic status, and her independence, and she adores her lifelong best friend. But her father is ailing, and it feels to her as if something is missing. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds herself back in 1996, reliving her sixteenth birthday. But it isn’t just her adolescent body that shocks her, or seeing her high school crush—it’s her dad, the vital, charming, forty-something version of her father with whom she is reunited. Now armed with a new perspective on her own life and his, some past events take on new meaning. Is there anything that she would change if she could?

Emma is forty but gets to be sixteen again. Now’s the time to change some things. On her fortieth birthday, Emma wakes up in the home of her single father, and she’s a lot younger. So is he. She has some decisions to make.

Emma interacts with her teenage friends and boyfriends and alters history. Then she goes back to her present and sees the differences. In many ways, her life is better, but still, something is wrong.

Also, in her present, her dad is dying. Can she change this? She is going to go back and try.

Probably the best feature of this book is the relationship between Emma and her dad. He’s an author, and he’s doing the best he can to be a great dad. He and Emma are close. There are many touching father-daughter moments in this book.

Sam, Emma’s best friend, makes for a good sounding-board as Emma opens up to her and tells her what’s really going on. Their relationship is well-developed too.

Other characters come into play. Their importance lies in how they make Emma ponder things and make changes. She comes to realizations along the way.

The time travel aspect is clever, and one doesn’t know quite what to expect. This is a fun book more about relationships than anything.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon

June 22, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Dandylion Summer by Frann Preston-Gannon
Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Childrens (6+ yrs), Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Frann Preston-Gannon’s Dandylion Summer is a sweet, character-driven picture book.

When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures.

As the seasons change, Dandylion must say goodbye―but fall is on the way, with new friends to meet and wonders to explore!

Two sisters, one summer and a big ‘ole lion.

This is a whimsical story that’s just right for this time of year–early summer. This book flows well and the characters are fun. The little girls and Dandylion are great. I liked how the lion is part of summer and shows the fun of the season. I love how the girls explore with the lion and don’t keep him to themselves but share him. Just like summer, he should be shared. I loved that this is a good story for young readers or someone wanting to be read to.

If you’re looking for a good summer book that’s entertaining and sweet, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Variation on a Theme by Thomas Watson

June 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Variation on a Theme by Thomas Watson
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

On a bitterly cold night under the stars, an old man willingly embraces the end of his life. Illness and a revelation of betrayal have convinced him that the time has come. But in dying, Gregory Williamson discovers that time is not what he believes it to be, and neither are life and death. Granted a new awareness of the true complexity of existence, he is offered the chance to live another life. A life that will show him the powerful truth of love. A life that could make the world a better place.

Better, that is, from a certain point of view.

Greg is an old man about to die when he is confronted with an odd situation. He becomes 17 again, and this time, he should make different decisions, changing his life, but more importantly, changing the lives of others.

What would you do if this happened to you? Would you choose a different life partner? Greg dares to do so with interesting results. Luckily, he retains his memories of his past life; however, when he makes a new choice, he is put on a novel path, not knowing what to expect.

This is a charming story that features different types of relationships. Greg sees his parents and teachers through more mature eyes. He figures out a way to help his sister and friends as well, affecting their fate. Most importantly, Greg chooses to take a chance on the one who got away. This will put them both on quite a different path. Will this stick? Will there be bad consequences?

As things unfold, readers will wonder about these things and want to know more. Life and death situations arise, and there are surprises in this novel.

This is a good do-over book that many will likely enjoy.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Curious About Mermaids by Gina Kammer

June 19, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Curious About Mermaids by Gina Kammer
Publisher: Amicus
Genre: Childrens (10+ yrs), Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Are merfolk friends or foes or what? Spark early readers’ natural curiosity about fantasy and fairy-tale creatures with this inquiry-based approach to mermaids. Legendary mermaids aren’t always the sweet, pretty fish women we see in popular culture. In folklore, mermaids were known to sink ships and drag sailors under water. But they aren’t all bad. Some would save sailors from watery deaths. Perfect for self-selection, this question-and-answer book covers legendary mermaids’ appearance, behavior, and where they live. Simple infographics draw in browsers and visual learners. A Stay Curious! feature encourages kids to keep asking questions while doubling as a mini media literacy lesson on research skills. Includes glossary and index.

There’s so much to learn about mermaids.

I liked this book because it’s a simple book, but it’s got lots of tidbits about mermaids. The book dispels the thought that mermaids are real but shows children that they are something fascinating. I liked the little factoids in the book and how the author made the mermaid feel real, while explaining they are the stuff of myths.

This is a quick book and easy read for children, but also a good one for a read-to-me style book. The stories are compelling and will keep the reader’s attention.

If you’re looking for a book about mermaids, then this might be the one you’re wanting.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh

June 15, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Aiden’s Charity by Lora Leigh
A Novel of the Breeds, Book 11
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The forces of survival and destruction swirl in the darkest corners of men’s minds. The nature of the beast cannot be harnessed, and survival is the purest of all instincts. Survival of the species itself goes soul deep. But can the human heart accept and adapt as easily? Can Charity bestow the love and the acceptance that has always been a part of her, to the man whose very survival depended on the hardening of his heart, of his soul? And can Aiden maintain that cruelty now, in the face of the sacrifices she made? Only time and nature will tell…

A story of the Breeds, but also the struggle between the head and the heart.

I love the Breeds and have been asked recently who my favorite is. I can’t say I have a favorite because I’ve loved all the stories so much. This one was pretty good; I have to admit. Leigh writes captivating characters, even in a few pages. This story zinged along well, and the bedroom scenes were…HAWT.

Aiden knows there’s something about Charity that he can’t forget. He wants to believe it’s because he can’t stand her, but it’s more complicated. Charity has done something for Aiden to save his life, but it’s complicated because neither wants to give any. Seeing the push-pull and the crankiness was great. Leigh writes pretty darn good bitchy women and that’s completely a compliment. Her women are strong and steady, even when in unsteady situations.

If you’re looking for a book to singe the screen and features a great pair of characters, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Back in Time with Jelly Beans by Michelle Godard-Richer

June 12, 2023 By 2 Comments


Back in Time with Jelly Beans by Michelle Godard-Richer
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Fueled by curiosity, and her dream of becoming a big-time journalist, Bella Thomas digs deep into the history of her small town. Mayflower thrived until the local Jelly Bean factory burned to the ground in 1927, killing handsome founder, Henry Hinchcliffe, and devastating the economy.

In a twist of fate, instead of Bella finding the past, she’s snatched out of the present and transported to the factory a year before the fire. There she is rescued by the sweet and swoon-worthy Henry.

Bella can’t stop herself from falling for him even though he’s destined to marry another and suffer a tragic fate. Without any regard for her own happiness, Bella is determined to prevent the fire and save Henry. Even if he can never be hers.

Love always finds a way.

The romantic storyline was a sweet and gentle one. The chemistry between Bella and Henry was perfect. Their personalities fit together nicely, and I appreciated the way they slowly moved closer together while continuing to check in on each other to make sure they were both on the same page. I couldn’t think of a better match for either of them, and I eagerly kept reading to find out what might happen to them next.

Time travel wasn’t well explained in this universe. I never quite figured out how it worked and why some characters could do it while others could not. It would have been helpful to know more about this topic, and I would have happily gone for a full five-star rating if the author had fleshed this out a little more.

I adored the kindness in this novella. Time travel can be risky, especially for characters like Bella who suddenly end up almost a century in the past without much knowledge of the social conventions of the 1920s or any appropriate clothing for it. I worried a little about her at first and was delighted to see how welcoming the people she met back then were. They immediately accepted her and did everything they could to make her feel at home. This was such a heartwarming way to transition Bella and the audience to life back then.

Back in Time with Jelly Beans was beautifully romantic.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Do-Over by David T. Wolf

June 9, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Do-Over by David T. Wolf
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Time-travel, Sci-fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

What if you woke up one morning and discovered that you were your preteen self, but with all your present memories intact? What if this alternate science-fiction universe gave you the chance to undo the many things you regretted? To act on those opportunities you missed? What tragedies would you act to prevent? Given the chance, what would you change about your life–and the world?

Among the stories about getting a second chance to do your life—becoming young again—this is one of the good ones. Rick, middle-aged, wakes up to find that he is twelve years old again. Can you imagine this? What things would you do differently? Luckily, Rick remembers things and can make wise decisions.

Rick recalls issues from the 1970s through the first part of the 2000s. He runs into some widely known people and changes not only his own life but that of those who can affect others. He can’t change everything, but what he does have power over brings food for thought, sometimes with a bit of amusement.

The story rolls out in an entertaining way while inspiring readers to think about their own lives. Some things are pleasantly surprising, but others are just…surprising. For example, he marries the same woman, but when his children are born, the unexpected causes Rick to really ponder the situation.

This is a short story written by a talented author that many are sure to enjoy. The author’s voice is just right, and the tale can probably be read in one sitting.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Blindspots by Rhonda Parrish

June 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Blindspots by Rhonda Parrish
Publisher: Poise and Pen Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

The war is over.

Ricky just wants to lick his wounds and learn what the new normal is going to look like for him, but his brother has gone missing. Now Ricky needs to team up with his wartime friends (and at least one dog he’d hoped never to see again) to find him, figure out what’s going on and save the world.

Again.

And the clock is ticking…

Saving the world is easy, right?

One of the biggest strengths of this tale was its realistic dialogue. The conversations the characters shared ranged from perfectly smooth to abrupt depending on what was happening with the storyline and what else was going on with Ricky. These moments felt so genuine that I sometimes felt like I was eavesdropping on real talking dogs. That’s not an easy thing to accomplish, and it’s made me an even bigger fan of Ms. Parrish’s work than I already was.

There were some minor pacing issues, especially as I moved closer to the middle portion of this novel. Ricky and his friends had plenty to keep them busy in the beginning and the end. If the middle had kept up that pace, I would have happily gone with a full five-star rating.

The world building was exciting and well done. Most books about talking animals are written for kids, so I was thrilled to find one created for an adult audience instead. There were so many little details that grabbed my attention as I was reading, from Ricky’s reaction to seeing dog food scattered on the floor to the legends dogs believed about humans to how teleportation worked in this world. The author truly thought of everything which made this such a pleasant reading experience. I would be happy to read a sequel if one were published, but I also thought this worked perfectly nicely as a standalone work.

Blindspots was a creative and memorable adventure.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,
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