Undying Love by Louise Roberts


Undying Love by Louise Roberts
Publisher: Luminosity Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

What if you discover your long-lost soulmate is a lingering spirit; how far would you go to be reunited?

What if “love at first sight” was no more than two soul mates recognizing each other through eons of time? But what would happen if one of those such souls was a lingering spirit, whilst the other had reincarnated into another human life form? If that were the case, how far would anyone go for the sake of love to be reunited?

For Peter Grant, the moment he steps into a house for sale in a coastal hamlet in Norfolk, England, a feeling of déjà vu descends on him, and the need to purchase the cottage is overwhelming.

Divorced and retired, he has ample time to enjoy the peace and quiet of his surroundings, with just his faithful dog for company. The only distraction is the nightly sound of a woman weeping . . .

Sometimes forever is an unbreakable promise.

Eleanor and Peter were a good match. They were both hopeless romantics who enjoyed the simple life. The thought of a living person falling in love with a spirit was so intriguing to me that it was one of the biggest reasons why I decided to read this book. Luckily, these characters had excellent reasons for being immediately drawn to each other that went beyond what was mentioned in the blurb, and I enjoyed the process of discovering what those other reasons for their instant love were.

There were a few subplots that were never resolved. For example, Peter had serious conflicts with his ex-wife and his daughter that were mentioned in the beginning but never followed up on. I also had some questions about what happened to Thor, a dog he bought shortly after moving into his new home. It would have been nice to have a few lines about how each of these subplots were tied up by the conclusion of the final scene.

The ending was otherwise well written and satisfying. I liked the way the author gave hints about how the world had changed over the centuries, especially since the narrator wouldn’t necessarily know everything the audience might be surprised or excited by due to how much things had changed for humanity over multiple generations. There was room here for a sequel, and I’d read it if it were written. With that being said, I also thought the main storyline gave a nice sense of closure for the characters.

Undying Love was a tender but smoldering novella that was worth diving into.

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention by Louis Haber


Black Pioneers of Science and Invention by Louis Haber
Publisher: Harcourt Inc.
Genre: Historical, Non-fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review by: Lavender

A readable, perceptive account of the lives of fourteen gifted innovators who have played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. The achievements of Benjamin Banneker, Granville T. Woods, George Washington Carver, and others have made jobs easier, saved countless lives, and in many cases, altered the course of history.

Many people have made important contributions to society through medicine or technology but have gone unnoticed. This is a particular issue with African-American inventors and innovators of science. The problem has been addressed with this wonderful, informative little book.

Louis Haber has presented the reader with the stories of fourteen brilliant contributors who have previously been ignored. Each person is discussed in a chapter of their own. While being educated, readers will also be entertained, for the writing is engaging.

There is information about their backgrounds, struggles, and process while their creative genius is being discussed. Different fields of knowledge are represented here from electricity to chemistry to technology.

This is a quick read and definitely worth the time.

Book of the Elder Wisdom by R. Walter Dutton


Book of the Elder Wisdom by R. Walter Dutton
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

A time of epidemics, disaster, unrest…

We are entering Lovecraft’s world. This book is the prologue.

******

It is 1984 … Orwell’s year. Yet, it seems, not his alone, for it marks the coming of the Elder Wisdom: the legacy of another long-dead author, which threatens to become a reality of eldritch horror, conjured by monstrous forces from beyond our world.
An unwitting heir to this legacy stumbles onto its dark mysteries, and sets out to solve them – on a quest that ranges from an ancient tower of the Anasazi in the American Southwest, to the streets of Skid Row Los Angeles, and finally into the farthest reaches of time and space.

The Book of the Elder Wisdom renders a faithful account of these events, and the meaning they hold for our own time, as told to R. Walter Dutton.

Some secrets are far older than anyone would have guessed.

Mr. Dutton had a smooth, descriptive writing style that worked perfectly for the tone of this book. I stayed up past my usual bedtime for more than one night so I could finish an extra chapter and see what the characters would discover about the mysteries of ancient tower next among many other compelling scenes. The act of reading felt like watching a movie play out vividly in my imagination. That’s something that only happens occasionally for me, and I relish it every time it does.

There were times when the pacing was a bit uneven. This was something I noticed the most in the last third of this tale. It was distracting for me as a reader to move between the quicker pace of the beginning and middle to the slower pacing later on. Either of the speeds would have been fine. I simply would have preferred that the storyline stuck to one or the other.

The protagonist’s character development was excellent. I really questioned his judgement in the beginning due to his decision to investigate a case without having any training in how the authorities collect evidence or what steps they take to preserve a crime scene. Without giving away too many details, I can say that I was quite pleased with how the plot twists not only acknowledged the danger of doing these things but gave good explanations for why the main character made those choices. I walked away feeling satisfied with what I’d learned about them as well as with how much they’d changed as a result of their determination to get to the truth.

Book of the Elder Wisdom was a thought-provoking read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys metaphysics or archeology.

The Adventures of Dagobert Trostler by Balduin Groller


The Adventures of Dagobert Trostler by Balduin Groller
Publisher: Kazabo Publishing
Genre: Suspense/Mystery/Thriller, Historical
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Dagobert Trostler is the Sherlock Holmes of Vienna . . . with a twist. Like Holmes, he’s the most famous private investigator in Vienna. Unlike Holmes, he’s a bit of a party animal. While he loves a good mystery, he also loves good food, good company and a good time. He’s a bon-vivant and right at home in the brilliant social scene of Vienna in the heyday of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

These stories, written by Balduin Groller and published in Vienna between 1889 and 1910, are a glimpse into the sparkling, forgotten world of turn-of-the-century Vienna. Hugely popular in the German-speaking world, they are now available in English for the first time exclusively from Kazabo Publishing. If you love Sherlock Holmes, you need to read these stories!

Human nature remains the same no matter who someone is or what century they live in.

Dagobert’s character development was well done. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t quite sure what I thought of him at first because of his willingness to sweep certain facts under the rug in order to prevent the people he was investigating from being socially embarrassed. It was rewarding to get to know him better and understand why he made these allowances for certain people as he investigated various cases. He had excellent reasons for the decisions he made.

This was such an introspective book. While I did need a little bit of time to adjust to its somewhat slow but always steady pace in the beginning, the reward for doing so was well worth my effort. Dagobert and the many interesting people he knew lived in a society that valued taking one’s time and thinking about a problem from every angle before coming to any conclusions about it.

The world building made it hard for me to stop reading. There were so many nuances to the social interactions in Dagobert’s society that even the briefest conversation could reveal things about his era to me that I hadn’t picked up on before. For example, showing gratitude needed to be done in subtle ways in certain instances due to the social pecking order and what business and personal relationships were like between the upper and middle classes. I deeply enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of everything he had to think about while he was gently prying for clues about what really happened in the cases people brought to him.

Anyone who loves old-fashioned mysteries should give The Adventures of Dagobert Trostler a chance.

Wicked Fire by Raisa Greywood


Wicked Fire by Raisa Greywood
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Erotic Romance, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Dryas

Freedom isn’t a blessing. It’s a curse.

I’m lost in the modern world, beset by the rage of the Archer clan, and given the impossible task of bringing my former ally to justice once and for all. The Mad King Teran wants to wreck the world and I am its unlikely savior.

Worst of all, I have a bossy dragon for a chaperone, who makes me feel things I don’t need, and shouldn’t want.

After all I’ve done, the path to redemption will be long, but I will succeed. Even if it costs me everything.

This is an interesting new novel about Morgaine Le Fay and the life decisions she made. The worst one was falling for the light Sidhe Fergus Archer, yet you have to feel sorry for her. Fergus was an expert seducer and Morgaine was still naïve. It didn’t help that he spiked her drink. It was horrible to watch him rape her and then allowed every member of his family to draw upon her magic. She vows revenge.

Morgaine’s life becomes extremely difficult and at the same time becomes the best it ever has since she was young and still with her parents. I could feel her confusion when her prison is suddenly destroyed, and she was thrust into the 21st century with nothing to her name.

Draco has an interesting sense of humor and I love how confused he is of everything that is the 21st century. It was a great amount of fun (with some LOL moments, like when he commented on the band, Korn) and I love how the author made their relationship change over time. Trust slowly building until lust takes over and then over protectiveness. One of the first kind things Morgaine finally receives is a good meal, a bath, and clean clothes making her finally feel like a real person. Draco doesn’t know how to deal with her emotions, though, or how they make him feel. There’s a lot of growing and changing both characters have to do.

I did think the ending was rather rushed. But I adored this plot and the twists and turns that make it an interesting read. So many different relationships and watching them change and develop is a real pleasure. So, the only things I would like to see change is the beginning take off a little faster and the ending not to be quite so quick. A great read especially for those that love the old legends of Britain.

A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee


A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee
Publisher: Pegasus Crime
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

In the days of the Raj, a newly arrived Scotland Yard detective is confronted with the murder of a British official—in his mouth a note warning the British to leave India, or else . . .

Calcutta, 1919. Captain Sam Wyndham, former Scotland Yard detective, is a new arrival to Calcutta. Desperately seeking a fresh start after his experiences during the Great War, Wyndham has been recruited to head up a new post in the police force. He is immediately overwhelmed by the heady vibrancy of the tropical city, but with barely a moment to acclimatize or to deal with the ghosts that still haunt him, Wyndham is caught up in a murder investigation that threatens to destabilize a city already teetering on the brink of political insurgency.

The body of a senior official has been found in a filthy sewer, and a note left in his mouth warns the British to quit India, or else. Under tremendous pressure to solve the case before it erupts into increased violence on the streets, Wyndham and his two new colleagues—arrogant Inspector Digby and Sergeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians to be recruited into the new CID—embark on an investigation that will take them from the opulent mansions of wealthy British traders to the seedy opium dens of the city.

Captain Sam Wyndham survived the Great War only to come home to London and find his wife recently dead from influenza. Greif-stricken, his world shattered he moves to India, to join the police force in Calcutta and try to start his life once again. Only he’s thrown in the deep end of a perplexing murder case made even more complicated by not knowing the local scene or understanding who is trustworthy and who most certainly is not.

I found this to be a thoroughly amazing book that I picked up on a whim and which I eagerly devoured. Before I reached the half-way point I had already ordered the second book in the series and I fully expect to order the next two after this as well. The author manages to infuse every page with what I found to be a realistic representation of Calcutta in the years following on from the Great War. Set in 1919 I loved the historical time period – one which didn’t shy away from the culture, language or society of the times. While never used in a titillating manner, arrogant British ex-pats called the native locals “wog” or “coolie” and people were treated both by perceived class and race. Considering the time and historical data I found the book to be accurate but with a decent flair for the fictional story as well. I thought the author did an amazing job with this – realistic enough for me to find it thoroughly believable but not rubbing the reader’s face in the less-than-romantic aspects of how humans treated each other a hundred years ago.

Readers looking for a vibrant historical mystery they can really sink into should find this suits their needs admirably. Indeed the mystery plot itself – which I found both interesting and complex – was not so dense or difficult that it over-took the historical setting, nor the fact this story was fully told in the Raj’s Calcutta. I loved the world-building and air the author gave this story. Despite my modern surroundings I frequently fell into the story and could hear the sounds and smell the scents described – I found the whole book thoroughly addictive and am eager for the next installment.

I found the main characters all well layered and interesting. While a number of the central characters felt somewhat cookie-cutter in their stereotypes this didn’t detract from my enjoyment mainly because I feel this adds to some of the genuineness of the time and place the story is held. I also really appreciated how Captain Wyndham – while more enlightened and open-minded than many of his contemporaries – was not some perfect hero on a pedestal. He had emotional and mental wounds from the First World War, not to mention a slight addiction to opiates left over from his recovery from both the War and the devastating death of his wife. Additionally, I found it quite refreshing that Captain Wyndham – fresh off the boat from London – didn’t have a network of spies or helpers when it came to his work as a policeman. Indeed I was impressed the author had Wyndham floundering somewhat for much of the story trying to piece together the political and policing landscape of the new country and culture he found himself in. This is not some mythical grand detective, but a man with flaws as well as a great character and open mind.

This is an interesting and slow-burn mystery novel set in Calcutta in 1919 and I adored every moment. I will be re-reading it again while I wait for the second book in the series to arrive and plan to promptly order the rest of the series. Readers looking for a strongly atmospheric, historical, straight mystery story should not be disappointed in this book. I highly recommend it to all readers.

Shapers of Worlds by Edward Willett, Editor


Shapers of Worlds by Edward Willett, Editor
Publisher: Shadowpaw Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Historical, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Within these pages lie eighteen stories, from eighteen worlds shaped by some of today’s best writers of science fiction and fantasy, all guests on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers during its first year. There are original stories from Tanya Huff, Seanan McGuire, David Weber, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., John C. Wright, D.J. Butler, Christopher Ruocchio, Shelley Adina, and Edward Willett, plus fiction by John Scalzi, David Brin, Julie Czerneda, Joe Haldeman, Gareth L. Powell, Dr. Charles E. Gannon, Fonda Lee, Derek Kunsken, and Thoraiya Dyer. Some are international bestsellers. Among them are winners and nominees for the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, Aurealis, Ditmar, British Science Fiction Association, and Dragon Awards. Some have been writing for decades, others are at the beginning of their careers. All have honed their craft to razor-sharpness.

A teenage girl finds something strange in the middle of the Canadian prairie. An exobiologist tries to liberate a giant alien enslaved on its homeworld by humans. The music of the spheres becomes literal for an Earth ship far from home. A superhero league interviews for new members. Strangers share a drink on a world where giant starships fall. Two boys, one a werewolf, one a mage, get more than they bargained for when they volunteer to fight an evil Empire. A man with amnesia accepts a most unusual offer. A young woman finds unexpected allies as she tries to win a flying-machine race in steampunk London . . .

Ranging from boisterous to bleak, from humorous to harrowing, from action-filled to quiet and meditative; taking place in alternate pasts, the present day, the far, far future, and times that never were; set on Earth, in the distant reaches of space, in fantasy worlds, and in metaphysical realms, each of these stories is as unique as its creator. And yet, they all showcase one thing: the irrepressible need of human beings to create, to imagine, to tell stories.

To shape worlds.

These tales are filled with surprises, so keep guessing as you read them!

“The Tale of the Wicked” followed Captain Michael Obwije as his war ship, The Wicked, attempted to hunt down and finally destroy an enemy ship. When something unexplainable happened at the last moment, he had to quickly figure out what was going on before it was too late. The plot twists in this tale kept me on the edge of my seat. They felt like an episode of a fast-paced and thought-provoking science fiction adventure show. I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended, and the creative final scene only made me yearn for more!

There were some tales in this collection that I wish had been given more time to develop, and “Ghost Colours” was one of them. It was about a man named Brian who had inherited a ghost from a relative. Luckily, science had advanced to the point that hauntings could be permanently dealt with by having one’s DNA slightly altered. I was intrigued by how such a procedure would work and was a bit disappointed that the characters never went into detail about it. They only barely scraped the surface of how proving the existence of ghosts would change human society. With that being said, I loved the premise of this story and of the others that I thought could have used more time to grow. Their basic structures were good, they just needed to be filled out more.

As soon as I read the first sentence of “A Thing of Beauty” and realized two of the characters were talking about murdering orphans in order to save money, I raised an eyebrow and kept going. There’s definitely something about cutting straight to the chase when the stakes are high as these ones! I was intrigued by the main character’s plan to stop these murders from happening. While I can’t go into more detail about it than that, I will say that the plot twists kept me guessing until the final scene.

Shapers of Worlds was a well-rounded anthology that should be read by anyone who wants to lose themselves in other times and places.

The Woman Who Wouldn’t by Gene Wilder


The Woman Who Wouldn’t by Gene Wilder
Publisher: Griffin
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The beloved actor and screenwriter’s second novel, set in 1903, stars a young concert violinist named Jeremy Webb, who one day goes from accomplished adagios with the Cleveland Orchestra to having a complete breakdown on stage. If he hadn’t poured a glass of water down the throat of a tuba, maybe he wouldn’t have been sent to a health resort in Badenweiler, Germany. But it’s in that serene place that Jeremy meets Clara Mulpas, whom he tries his hardest to seduce.

Clara is so beautiful that Jeremy finds it impossible to keep from trying to find a chink in her extraordinary reserve and elegance. He finds himself reflexively flirting to get a reaction―after all, a tease and a wink have always worked before, with women back home. But flirting probably isn’t the best way to appeal to a woman who was married to a dumb brute and doesn’t want to have anything more to do with men. Jeremy isn’t sure how to press his case―but he won’t give up.

Wilder’s prose is elegant, spare and affecting. But it’s his romantic’s eye for the intense emotions that animate a real love story that makes The Woman Who Wouldn’t an unforgettable book.

A love that could move mountains and a man with a glass of water dumped in a tuba.

Intrigued? I was.

I like the writing of Gene Wilder. It’s like comfort food. I know I’m going to enjoy myself and it’ll be filling. Now this story is quick in pace, but light on description, it’s true. This isn’t a very long story. But the length wasn’t a deterrent for me. I liked the quick clip.

I also liked the characters. Clara is delicate and sweet. She’s not what I expected at all. I liked the way she grew through the story and how she wasn’t a wilting flower–not all the time. The surprise at the end was great, too. Jeremy left a little to be desired. Initially, I thought I wasn’t going to find out why he’d dumped the glass of water in the tuba, but all is well.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance that’s out of the norm and reads a little like a screenplay, then this might be the book for you.

The Forgiven Scoundrel by Laura A. Barnes


The Forgiven Scoundrel by Laura A. Barnes
(Fifth book in the Tricking the Scoundrels series)
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Secrets have a way of coming to light…

She never allowed her heart to love another. He had never forgotten her. Will their secrets keep them apart? Or would their love overcome them?

Belle portrayed herself as two different women in London. To the lower class she was Rosie, a young widow who lost her husband too soon. A generous lady who befriended all, always helping those in need. To the peers of the realm, she was the notorious Madame Bellerose. Her establishment in Covent Garden was the most sought after to gain membership. Every gentleman attempted to bed the sultry Belle, but she favored no man with entry to her boudoir. She gave her soul away to one man years ago and there would be no other for her. Belle found contentment in the life she created to survive with her flourishing business and her new friendships. Until the man who stole her heart and abandoned her years ago returned. Phillip dominated her senses, making her crave what they once had. Can Belle forgive Phillip for abandoning her and risk her heart to loving him again?

Lord Phillip Delamont had only one purpose for his return to London. And that was to find the woman he loved. To his surprise, his young son befriended the lady he desired. However, at every turn her friends would thwart his attempts to seek her attentions. His frustrations would only leave him wanting her more. A chance invitation for a game of cards leads Phillip into discovering Belle’s true identity. Once he realized the woman Belle had become his need to make her his again became his primary goal. Can Phillip convince Belle that they are meant to be together forever?

Secrets. As Phillip pursues Belle, they keep their secrets hidden from one another. Secrets that could help to heal their hearts. Will they let their past continue to haunt them? Or will they confess their true love?

When my son graduated high school, it was very bittersweet. That’s exactly how I feel right now. I absolutely loved this series. I read every book and I’m so sad that the series is over now. The Forgiven Scoundrel was the perfect ending to the Tricking the Scoundrels series.

The heroine, Belle, was a complex character that was pivotal in all the other books. I was really looking forward to reading her story because I always found her intriguing because of the mysterious aura surrounding her. I didn’t think I’d love Belle any more than I did but I was wrong. Her romance with the hero, Lord Phillip Delamont, was sublime.

Many secrets make for a really awesome plot. Relatable characters that I’ve befriended in previous books only enhance my positive feelings while reading this story. Combine a spicy romance between Belle and Phillip and I have a book glow.

In addition to the excellent writing style, unpredictable plot twists and consistent quality pace flow, I found The Forgiven Scoundrel to be an entertaining read that I didn’t want to put down.

I definitely recommend this book to be on a reader’s “must read” list for those who love stories with redemption, forgiveness and true love. All the books in this series can be read as standalones, but I suggest reading the entire series. With Christmas coming, the complete set of Tricking the Scoundrels series would make a wonderful gift.

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark


Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark
Volume 1 – People Who Shaped Our World
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Historical
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. With a wealth of witty quotes, and richly detailed illustrations, this book brings Hopper’s incredible accomplishments to life.

Just about anything is possible if you work hard enough at it.

Grace lived in an era when prejudice against women prevented many of them from achieving their goals. This book acknowledged that while also showing how this specific woman never stopped trying to push the limits of what society thought were acceptable subjects for her to study and projects for her to work on once she graduated and began putting her schooling to use. She simply refused to accept the artificial limitations placed on her due to her gender no matter what anyone said. I found that admirable and thought it was exactly the right way to approach this topic for young readers.

Not everything Grace tried to do was successful at first, of course. Failures happen to everyone eventually, and even more often for folks who are trying something completely new. Seeing how she reacted to those many setbacks only made me like her even more. Her attitude in those difficult moments showed the audience who she really was as a human being, and it also made her a great role model for readers of all ages.

Some of my favorite portions of this picture book were the ones that told funny stories about Grace’s life. She defied people’s expectations of her from a very early age, and that sometimes lead to her saying or doing things that nobody could have predicted. One of them involved clocks of all things, and the rest will be even more amusing if new readers don’t know a thing about them in advance. She had a wonderful personality that shone through at its brightest during these moments.

Anyone who enjoys using a computer or accessing the Internet should check out Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code to see how these things became possible.