The Starless Crown by James Rollins

Rollins has outdone himself in this epic fantasy.  Book one introduced a myriad of entertaining and exotic characters. A world is threatened by a prophetic doom seen by only a few.  The rest of the world is caught up in political intrigue and treachery.  Rollins paints some seriously despicable villains. 

There are many memorable characters in the positive column despite many of them being superficially bad guys.  I liked the relationships between animal and man with loyalty and love going both directions. 

The breadth of Rollins's world is just shy of breathtaking. There is epic perfidy, familia treachery, and grotesque violence by even more grotesque characters.    

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and avidly look forward to reading the second book in this world-spanning trilogy.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Galaxy Raiders: Abyss : Galaxy Raiders, Book 1 by Ian Douglas

 Galaxy Raiders: Abyss : Galaxy Raiders, Book 1 by Ian Douglas

 This is the seventh book by this author that I’ve read.  I’m guessing that foreshadows my review as I certainly wouldn’t keep reading a writer I don’t like.

 This story is set in a human time of innovation and longevity extension.  AI and nanotechnology are flourishing.   Mankind has encountered a galactic civilization that infers that it is willing to help mankind move smoothly into the future.

 The results turned out to be different than the alien inferences.  Morrigan is on her fourth life extension and tired.  She decides not to rejuve any more.  Events take place that put her in command of a Earth force designed to impress the Galactics.

 The book has plenty of action, subterfuge and personal interplays.

I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the sequel.   This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Spotlight on Devils Game by Michael Wolk

NEW YORK CITY – From Michael Wolk, an innovative New York theater producer and creator, comes the unique and immersive new interactive e-novel “DevilsGame” (Nov. 19, 2024) that’s not just bending genres — it’s recreating the very essence of the ebook format. Enter cyber fiction — a story set in the recent past, formatted for the uncharted future.  The interactive fiction elements are unlike anything the literary world has seen before, with savvy multimedia elements optimized for mobile and web reading. Multilevel storytelling includes pop-up illustrations and interactive links that plunge readers into the heart of the action to make “DevilsGame” an addictive and wickedly funny thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, ahem, screen. 

Ready to play DevilsGame? 

In a world where pixels collide with prayers, an unlikely duo emerges as the last line of defense against digital Armageddon. Meet Claire Bodine, the fiery televangelist with a penchant for preaching, and Nathan Rifkin, the cunning mastermind behind the world’s most addictive video games.

As a cross-platform virus sweeps across the globe, turning our beloved devices into tools of destruction, Claire and Nathan find themselves thrust into a high-stakes game of survival. Armed only with their outdated BlackBerrys and an unshakeable resolve, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of  interconnected smartphones and sinister plots. But this isn’t just a battle against code and circuits — it’s a clash of ideologies. Claire sees the hand of Satan behind the chaos, while Nathan smells a geopolitical conspiracy. And as the clock ticks down and the world teeters on the brink of collapse, they must put aside their differences and confront a common enemy.

Buckle up, log on and head down the rabbit hole to join Claire and Nathan on a journey that will test their faith, their wit and the very essence of what it means to be human. 

Enter DevilsGame

Michael Wolk | Nov. 19, 2024 | Cyber Fiction / Technothriller | $9.99

SEE THE COMPLETE BOOK TRAILER

About the Author

Michael Wolk, author of the cyber thriller DevilsGame, has written screenplays (Innocent Blood, Warner Bros., directed by John Landis), mystery novels (“The Beast on Broadway,” “The Big
Picture,” “Signet”) and plays (“Femme Fatale,” “Broadway Play Publishing”). He wrote the book, music and lyrics for “Deep Cover” (New York Musical Theatre Festival) and for “Ghostlight
9” (Cherry Lane Theatre) and wrote the book for the musical, “The Pilot and the Little Prince,” currently premiering in Poland at Katowice Miasto Ogrodow.

He is also a Broadway producer (“Job,” “Once Upon A Mattress,” “The Hills of California,” “Prince of Broadway,” “Pacific Overtures,” “A Class Act,” and the forthcoming “The Karate Kid”), and has also produced at Lincoln Center (“Musashi and Temple of the Golden Pavilion”), Kennedy Center (“Up In The Air”), BAM (“MacBeth”), George Street Playhouse (“The Pianist”), and in Central Park (“Japan Day @ Central Park 2007-2017) as well as in the U.K. (“Kenrex” premiere at Sheffield Theatre).

He founded the nonprofit All For One Theater, which has staged over 50 solo shows off-Broadway since 2011.  He directed the award-winning documentary “You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story,” which screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (Plexifilm DVD). He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and works and lives in Times Square.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason:The Quest For Freedom by Mark Jordan

Gunny Mason is a mustang officer who has worked his way up through the ranks. Sergeants are the true leaders of most armies, so Gunny makes a reluctant but highly effective officer. The story centers on an unnecessary war and the corruption that led to its inception. Gunny’s honor impacts the war's results and consequently the ensuing revolt.

Jordan seems to reflect current events and project them into the future; conversely, he looks at historic events and the inception of our nation.

I enjoyed the concepts of honor and trust particularly as they are so rare in today’s political world.

I recommend the book, I wasn’t entranced with Jordon’s writing style but I really enjoyed his message. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

A Darkness Returns : Book One of The Dragonwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist

I read my first Feist in 1995.   I’ve attempted to read every ensuing book as I like his books that much.   This book is no exception.  It is like walking into your favorite watering hole and seeing some old friends you haven’t seen in ages. I won’t mention who is back but rest assured you will enjoy the book. The villain is, again, the Void.

There are some new heroes and some new Void pawns in the form of religious fanatics.  There is plenty of action and an interesting sidebar story.

I recommend both the author and this book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Cure by Kali Metis

This is a shapeshifter story.  A death in the family leads Luna Auber to discover her hidden talents.

I’ve suffered the bricks and sticks when I previously stated that my dislike of a character limited my enjoyment of a book.  So bet it!  I didn’t like the main protagonist, resulting in a struggle to like the book.  

The subject matter is enjoyable.  Shapeshifting is almost always fun to read.   I struggled to get into the story while liking the culinary talents of Luna, her personality was repugnant.  I have not doubt the author crafted Luna to be who she was but for me, I want to like the main protagonist.  

There is a second volume and for those who do not suffer my malady of character likeability, it looks interesting.

Some mild not overly detailed violence with a somewhat confusing plot. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Rumor Has It by Cat Rambo

The Thing is back with a crew of astounding diversity.   Tubal Last is still chasing them.  The Thing, a sentient bioship is still experimenting with its identity.  The ship docks at Coralind and their troubles begin.

Captain Niko seems to be as much a peacemaker as a ship’s Captain.   Coralind’s festival provides the setting for all the troubles that occur.   The sentient bio-system that functions as the planetoid’s governor and chief engineer is an old friend of Captain Niko.  

Darby, the intelligent chimp and executive officer makes a soul-shaking discovery.

Atlanta, the “heir” to an empire or simply a disinformation clone, comes into her own while discovering the nature of a paladin.

The plot is complicated by a paranoid, vengeance-driven Gnarl Grusson who will stop at nothing to harm Niko.

Multiple plots, entertaining characters, and exotic settings characterize the book.

I recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned