Butcher Boy Rebellion by Robert H. Cherny

August 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Butcher Boy Rebellion by Robert H. Cherny
Publisher: Club Lighthouse
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Standing in the blood of the man who tried to kill him, the boy, almost a man, froze, horrified at what he had done. The head, separated from the body, lay face down in the forest undergrowth. Blood flowed from the open neck onto the mat of decaying leaves. There had been no time. There had been no time to think. No time to plan. Only one would walk away from that confrontation in the woods. The boy had gotten the better of this man who had killed many before him.

When the woman, dressed to blend into the forest, emerged from behind the trees to admire his handiwork pointing her crossbow at him, he thought he might have killed for naught. Little did any of the handful of people standing in the forest that day know the changes that this one death put in motion.

Anyone who wants to survive in this world needs to think and react quickly. There is no time for second guessing here!

The pacing was fast and exciting. I liked the way the author leapt straight into the action in the first scene. It helped me immerse myself in this world immediately. Pertinent details like certain backstories popped up later, but in the beginning all I really needed to know was that the protagonist was a skilled butcher by trade who had excellent fighting skills.

I struggled to keep track of the large cast of characters in this novella. New folks were introduced so rapidly that I didn’t have much time to get to know them before the next batch of people showed up. There also wasn’t a great deal of time spent describing them and their personalities even for the main characters. When combined with the large cast, this made it even harder to remember who was who.

The snappy dialogue kept me coming back for more. This was a heavily plot-based tale, so it made perfect sense for the characters to stick to the facts and spend as little time on long or unnecessary conversations as possible. I appreciated how careful everyone was with their words. That made perfect sense given the setting and rapidly-developing plot.

Butcher Boy Rebellion kept me perched on the edge of my seat from the first scene to the last one. Anyone who enjoys adventurous fantasy novellas should give it a try.

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She Shits Bricks and Other Stories by Samson Tonauac

August 3, 2021 By Leave a Comment


She Shits Bricks and Other Stories by Samson Tonauac
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Twerker, COVID-991, advert jinn–we all went a little crazy after 2020 … did we not? 13 ultra-short science fiction and cyberpunk stories inspired by the events of 2020.

Anything can be turned into a joke with enough effort.

I’ve reviewed countless collections and anthologies over the years. Normally, I pick out specific stories from them, but everything in this book was so closely intertwined that I decided to take a different approach this time. While each story worked well on its own, one of the best parts of reading them was picking out all of the references they included to one another. Some of these references were fairly obvious, but others asked the readers to spend a little more time thinking about how certain characters or settings were connected to each other. I was impressed by how well this technique worked. It gave the audience many opportunities to compare and contrast everything they’d read so far, and it provided a strong sense of unity for what I’ve seen of this author’s work so far.

The pursuit of justice was an overarching theme for many of these tales. Some characters received their just desserts in unexpected ways while others sought out justice for unfair things that had happened in their own lives. There was a beautiful sense of order to how everything unfolded. As soon as I noticed this was a topic the author was planning to return to repeatedly, I eagerly anticipated future endings and hoped that everything would turn out right in the end for every character involved.

Mr. Tonauac had a wry sense of humor that were well suited for the types of science fiction he wrote. Some of the scenarios he came up with were so outlandish that I started chuckling even before I knew what the punchline might be. I figured out his irreverent writing style so quickly that it was easy to anticipate the lighthearted spin he’d put on all sorts of different topics even before I knew exactly how he was planning to turn often deadly serious subjects into amusing ones. Based on how much he made me laugh, I’ll be keeping an eye out for more work from him for sure.

This is part of a series, but it can be read perfectly well as a standalone work.

She Shits Bricks and Other Stories was tongue-in-cheek science fiction I’d recommend to anyone who loves this sort of thing.

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The Hallowmas Train by Gloria Pearson-Vasey

August 3, 2021 By 7 Comments


The Hallowmas Train by Gloria Pearson-Vasey
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rated: 4 stares
Reviewed by Rose

BOOK 1: Prosper Station

With Hallowmas approaching, time travellers Azur Moonstorey and companions exit the local library to board the midnight train bound for 19th-century Prosper Station. Their mission: to rescue Azur’s sister from the eerie dimension Vapourlea.

BOOK 2: Black Springs Abbey

After her harrowing rescue from Vapourlea, Hilma Moonstorey is still beset by anxiety and insecurities. Encouraged to take a position at Black Springs Abbey by young police constable Garth Mayfield, she soon discovers that the dilapidated abbey houses not only elderly nuns but ghosts and dark secrets.

Two books for the price of one! And two really good books at that. I love these characters – I love the worldbuilding. I have to admit, I like the first book a little bit better than the last book, but they were both enchanting in their own way.

Book one sets up the world of the sensointuitives and the Hallowmas Train that helps the time travellers go back and forth between the present and the 19th century. I loved the way the characters worked and grew together. The author did a tremendous job on describing the setting, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me on my toes.

Book two takes place five years later and deals with Hilma and the way she helps solve a mystery at Black Springs Abbey. We get to see the characters from book two and find out what’s going on in their lives as well, which is a plus.

I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for more of this author’s writings and I hope she sets more stories in Providence Crossing and Prosper Station. 4 stars.

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Ghosts of Sherwood by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally

August 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Ghosts of Sherwood by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Even grownups want a happily ever after.

As a young boy, Alex Van Owen had an active imagination filled with adventure, magic, and wonder. Like so many things, that gift was lost to adulthood, where responsibility and the realities of life took precedent. Faced with a failing marriage, a stressful job, and a struggle of being a good father to his own son, Alex has no time for fun or make-believe, but that all changes when he receives a call from his estranged father.

When Alex returns to his childhood home, he and his son are transported to an imaginary world filled with characters from classic fairy tales and legends, but something is different. Something is wrong. The people inhabiting these lands are nothing like the characters from the original stories. Things become dire when Alex’s son is kidnapped by the evil Robin of the Dark Hood.

Can Alex rescue his son and get back to the real world in time to save his marriage? Will he live happily ever after, or are happy endings only found in fairy tales?

No one is ever too old to enjoy fairy tales.

I was impressed by how many references to classic fairy tales and legends were included here. Anyone who has read widely in these genres will find plenty of gems scattered throughout the scenes. Some of these references were easy to figure out, while others required a little more thought. I liked the fact that the author included these different levels of difficulty. It gave everything a lovely inclusive feeling, and it also expanded the list of people I’d feel comfortable recommending this book to whether they were well-versed in fairy tales or only knew of the most popular ones.

The character development in this novella was incomplete. I wouldn’t expect to see as much time spent on it as I would for a full length book, but it could have used more attention. As interested as I was in the other aspects of the storyline, it was tricky to grow attached to characters who showed few to no signs of personal growth for the majority of the storyline. It would have been helpful to see more examples of why they wanted to change and how they were planning to do it.

There were many scenes that were filled with action and adventure due to the multiple plot twists that were included. No sooner was one conflict solved than another one popped up. All of these exciting twists fit the tone of this book nicely and made it hard to put down. As much as I want to share some of the juiciest ones, this really is something that should be discovered by each reader for themselves.

Ghosts of Sherwood was a wild ride from the first scene to the last one.

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Illusion by Aurelia T. Evans

July 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Illusion by Aurelia T. Evans
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Arcanium’s greatest illusion is that there’s any illusion at all…

When an old flame returns to Arcanium in the company of her own magical circus, Illumina, offering an alliance, Bell initially considers the merger an opportunity for much-needed change.

However, with Illumina comes Maya, who has lost her memories not just of Locke’s Arcanium but all her time with Bell—love, guilt, wishes, everything. Having her memories removed leaves Maya with too large a gap in her mind that she’s desperate to fill, and she knows that Bell, of all the people in Arcanium, can give her the information she’s missing.

Bell still loves Maya and spends every day trying to atone for the pain he caused her and the rest of his cast. In spite of her frustration, she’s happiest without him, without the memories that once nearly destroyed her. If Illumina is to become part of Arcanium, he has no choice. He has to keep his distance, because she doesn’t know why she should run as far away as she can from Arcanium—and from Bell.

Even so, resisting Maya is almost too much for him to bear.

Once again, we find ourselves in the world of Arcanium where Bell rules and the consequence for breaking his rules are harsh. Yet even Bell has a heart and a conscience. He has learned from his mistakes and works hard at making his circus safe and a happy place for those in it. When an old friend and lover returns to Arcanium with her own cast that includes Maya, Bell must make the hard choice of opening his doors or shutting them. His own heart lays in the choice and he could lose it all over again if he is not careful.

I was both excited and sad to see this book come out as it is the last in the Arcanium series. I enjoyed returning to this world and its characters. As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a few points where the story dragged on a bit too much, and there were characters made to stand out, it seems, just for the purpose of being annoying. It worked. This story brings readers full circle and back to the beginning. It is centered around Bell and Maya of course, and as with all the books in this series, there are major twists and turns.

This book is an interesting way to end the series and the author has made a great world with memorable characters that I fell in love with and hope to see again in the future.

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While the Devil Lies Waiting by David J. LeMaster

July 7, 2021 By Leave a Comment


While the Devil Lies Waiting by David J. LeMaster
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

During the Civil War, the War of Northern Aggression to Southerners, General Elijah Beauregard was heralded, although not within earshot, as a demon. Known for shooting his own men for running from carnage, he had no less respect for his beloved Virginia.

She’d prayed for his demise, yet only received absolution in her own and her child’s death in childbirth. No one else, who dared live in his house, ever died in peace…nor left the premises. Over a century later, and many mysterious deaths and events, he would have his Ginny…again.

If you’re ready for a good ghost story, this is it. General Beauregard of the Civil War is creepy and scary. What makes him worse is that he is motivated to hurt people.

In this book, we jump through time and meet the general’s unfortunate victims as they stay in his house. The setting and atmosphere, the mood are superbly written. Characters—dead and alive—interact in realistic ways, and suspense is strong throughout the story.

We see some of the characters at different stages of their lives. The challenges they face keep the pace of the book quick. It is a horror story, but can anyone have a happy ending? Are the good guys hiding anything?

David J. LeMaster has written a unique tale that readers of this genre are sure to love and remember.

Filed Under: Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel

June 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Xandore’s Naughty Princess by Sheila J. Noel
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

The planet is counting on Princess Ellegra and Prince Xandore. Their union will assure Procalus is welcomed into the Planetary Alliance.

Princess Ellegra is smart and beautiful and won’t take no for an answer. She understands her obligations and will make the best of her arranged marriage to Xandore. He thinks he can have his Artemisian cake and eat it too, that scoundrel. But she holds a few cards. Can she hold his heart and his fidelity?

Prince Xandore has always had his own way, so why should he stop now? He has led his planet to victory in battle but when it comes to commitment, will he ever be able to give Ellegra what she longs for?

A true fairy-tale love comes to light in this cute novella.

Ellegra has been sheltered for most of her life, but now is called upon to marry for the sake of her planet. The man she’s marrying? Well, let’s just say he hasn’t been sheltered… at all!

This is a fast-paced, sweet and sexy novella, with poisoning, rebels, new schools, you name it. A lot goes on in the small number of pages you have. The pacing isn’t rushed though, it just moves along with a hop, skip, and a jump in places. There are some steamy moments, but even those have an air of almost innocence about them.

This was a good story that I enjoyed, but would have preferred something a bit longer so I could fully enjoy the relationships and back stories of those mentioned. Overall, a lovely story to remind the reader of the power of love.

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

Killing the Reapers by Jeff Debing

June 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Killing the Reapers by Jeff Debing
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Ross is a young paramedic whose world takes a sudden tragic turn on what should be the best day of his life. Just before he can propose to his girlfriend, he suffers a massive heart attack and dies.

He awakens in the afterlife and learns that the Grim Reaper actually does exist. But not as the skeletal creature of mythology, instead it’s an organization of non-living individuals who look and act like ordinary people. Essentially undead civil servants, they walk among the living, unnoticed, as they perform their grim work of reaping the souls of people when they are destined to die.

He is shocked to learn that he died decades before he was supposed to, due to a tragic mishap. As Ross and the reapers seek a solution for his premature demise, fatal accidents suddenly begin to plague the reapers. Ross discovers that though the reapers aren’t truly alive, they can be killed.

When the growing number of mysterious reaper fatalities prevents Ross from getting his life back, he suspects they may not actually be accidents. He realizes that to have any chance to return to the life he was destined to live, he’ll first have to discover and stop whatever is killing the reapers.

Death isn’t the end.

The world building was complex and well done. I actually paused at one point to do an Internet search to find out if I’d accidentally stumbled into the middle of a series. The fact that it appeared to be something new and not connected to any other stories only impressed me even more. There were so many little details about the characters, setting, and unique rules of magic woven into every scene that I truly felt as if I’d stepped into another world. It was exciting to have this introduction, and it made me hope for a sequel.

There was only one thing holding this tale back from a much higher rating, and it had to do with how the characters were written. Mr. Debing introduced the audience to a large number of characters quite quickly in the early scenes. When combined with how little information we were given about the appearances or personalities of the majority of them, I had a lot of trouble remembering who was who. This was especially true when it came to the various grim reapers, although I would also struggle to describe Ross’ personality to anyone. Other than his love of his work and his desire to save every sick and injured person who crossed his path, I never got a strong sense of who he was as an individual.

I was pleased with how the mystery portion of the plot was written. The author did a good job of throwing a few clues out there for the audience without giving away so much information that it was easy to figure out the identity and motive of the killer. He struck a nice balance between developing this portion of the storyline and allowing the fantasy themes to take precedence when needed.

Killing the Reapers was a fast-paced novella that I’d recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy.

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

The Glass Demon by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead

June 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Glass Demon by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead
Publisher: Totally Entwined
Genre: Historical, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

What you can’t see could kill you.

When Cecily arrives at her new home with her fiancé, Raf, she’s looking forward to a happy life with all her fears behind her. No longer a put-upon drudge, she is loved and free, ready to explore their new world.

After a summer spent battling the forces of darkness, Raf’s happy to get back to the garden of his chaotic ancestral home. There are flowers to tend and vegetables to harvest and he’s determined to create a perfect sanctuary for Cecily to call her own.

But when a demon made of glass escapes from an ancient church window, the peace of their idyllic village is shattered. Neighbour turns against neighbour, crops turn bad in the soil and flies blacken the air. As a child lingers between life and death, bewitched by the glass demon’s bite, Raf and Cecily must remind the villagers of what really matters and unite the community in a battle to send their infernal tormentor back to hell.

Raf and Sissy are making their way to their home up in Yorkshire. Both are looking for some quiet time. Will they get it, or will they get more than they bargained for?

This is the second book in the de Chastelaine series, and I definitely recommend you read book one as it will help you understand both the characters and the situation they are currently in.

The village in Yorkshire is very different from a boarding school in Devon, but still you are delighted with the descriptions of both characters and landscape/buildings, etc. With a glass demon on the loose that feeds off hate and fear, it is up to Sissy and Raf, plus the children of the village, to sort things out.

This is a fast-paced, intriguing, sweet story that gives me a nostalgic feeling. I adore the genteel romance between Raf and Sissy, plus the addition of new characters, like Mike and Mim (and I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help but think of the magnificent, marvelous, mad Madam Mim!)

A fantastic addition to the series and I can’t wait for the next. Absolutely recommended by me.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer

June 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Devil’s Own by Suzy Shearer
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

By 51, Miranda Fleming had become a world famous artist. She lacked nothing, except a relationship. In fact, in her entire dating life not one man had ever asked for a third date. She often joked she was the oldest living virgin.

But that was about to change and not in a way that she could’ve ever imagined—or desired.
He was The Devil. Satan. Lucifer. The Beast. So many names, the list went on and on. A taker of souls, a dealer of desires and greed, the ultimate evil.

And now it was time to collect on the deal made about Miranda years ago. He’d kept her pure since then, just so he could torment and torture her.

That is, until he tired of her.

If you are looking for romance, then I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong book. There are some soft and tender moments in it but heavily disguised amongst the sadism and masochism.

Miranda has been having dreams since her twenties about a faceless man whipping and torturing her, giving her the orgasms she doesn’t have in real life. When her grandfather dies, she finds out that it is true, and she belongs to the Devil.

Although dark, this book doesn’t go into too much detail, skimming along the surface of what S&M consists of. Time passes with the blink of an eye, first weeks, then months, then years. Because of the jumping, I didn’t feel like I got to know Miranda or Hell as much as I would like. I certainly wouldn’t name romance as a genre, but instead, say there are romantic elements.

This was a quick read, filled with dark erotica, so if that’s what you’re after, then I can recommend it.

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