Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi

Having grown up very close to Ohio, I think that gives me a better understanding of the people that populate this book.  They often bring new meaning to phlegmatic.

Many readers will look at the reaction that the people have to the monsters in their community as aberrant. However, many Midwest folks are quite content to mind their own business and are surprisingly tolerant of someone who's different as long as they aren't in their face about it. So that aspect of the book is actually pretty real. 

Now the rest of the book and the premise as to how there came to be monsters in Ohio some of that's a stretch. T
he characterizations were well done. Small towns are often populated by very interesting people.  This book showed that. Doing my best to avoid spoilers, I enjoyed the book, and I think that it makes a very entertaining read.

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Infinite Wisdom by Thomas R Weaver.

The author's background in tech makes him a good proponent for what we might see in the future. Of course, every day we see in whatever news source or media we read or watch concerns about AI. Some of those concerns are valid, but in many cases there are many jobs created; perhaps not as many as are lost, but many jobs are created with the use of AI.

I have illustrated several of my own books with AI graphics, and spent an enormous amount of time fixing them with Photoshop. AI isn't quite there yet. I frequently have to run the characters through 3AIs to get what I want.

The preface for this review is AI isn't perfect yet. This book is about Solomon, the AI protector of humanity, and his unseen competitors.  This is all in an attempt to save mankind and bring humanity to a new level. The meat of the story is the relationship of the characters with each other and with artificial intelligence.

 I recommend the entire series and this book in particular brings new hope for the future.

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

Bumble and Zippy Play Kickball: A Bumble and Zippy Book

 

Bumble and Zippy Play Kickball: A Bumble and Zippy Book

by William G Bentrim (Author)

Body image concerns have trickled down to elementary-age children. The importance of being included is illustrated by the thrill of being picked first for the team. This story shows how compassion and friendship can help a child (dragon) build confidence and a positive self-image.

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The Bumble Collection

The New Bumble The Dragon Collection by William G Bentrim

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The Traveler by Joseph Eckert

The Traveler by Joseph Eckert

 

Scott Treder is the Traveler.  This was one of the most captivating books I’ve read in quite a while.   Scott suddenly becomes an unintentional time traveler.  

 

That is a succinct description of the plot.

 

This travel disrupts his life, and he has zero control over it.

 

 Family, friends, job, and existence become moot.

 

The book’s tension is related to the Traveler's next landing.

 

Scott’s relationship with his son is endearing. 

 

The duration of the book is mind-boggling.

 

I’m doing my best to not generate any spoilers.

 

I enjoyed the book and highly 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

Thrice Bound Fool by Christopher Buehlman

 Kinch and Galva are an unlikely couple, well, duo as a couple may be misleading.  One a thief and the other an honorable warrior.  They are joined by a sentient, murderous book that attempts to murder Kinch at every opportunity.

 On a journey through the Thralls, an intimidating mountain range, they are captured by half-giants after some misadventures.  Galva’s fighting skills turn out to be a touch detrimental as they bring unwanted notice.

 This is an excellent follow-up on The Black Tongued Thief.

 Excitement, adventure, sad and often funny misadventures are intermixed with battles, fights, and wondrous creatures.  

 There are some surprisingly tender scenes to leaven the mayhem.

 
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series. 

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 COURT OF VENUS by Bel Banta

 Magic centered loosely on astrology, defines this book.  Your skill in manipulation is based on your relationship to astrological symbols.  Bianca is an ultra-rare moonborn. Roland is a Venus. Hal is normal.  The three-way relationship has a major impact on the plot.

 Magicians are feared.  They are bound to service to normals
, and not expected to rule.  Roland is the Viceroy for King Richard.  King Richard’s main interest is immortality.  His previous Viceroy, Prospero, failed to provide either a suitable heir or immortality. 

 Three children, raised together, loved each other, and eventually sundered from one another, figure prominently in the story.

 Magicians against magicians, nobles plotting for power, shape-changing, death magic, inescapable prisons, and even a dragon are included.   There is an abundant serving of treachery and deceit as well. There is something for everyone in this book. 

I enjoyed it and 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