The Skinmap by Stephen Lawhead

 The title gives away part of the plot.   What and who might the skinmap refer to?  That is a question in a time traveling mystery.

This is a coming of age for the protagonist as he grows into a more formidable person.   Kit and Mina were insipid people at best.  Kit changes all that by meeting his grandfather. 

Time travel and magic intertwine in this story where paradoxical encounters abound.   The characters were colorful and the plot was open ended.   I would guess a sequel is in the works.  

I liked the flavor of the story and the way Mr. Lawhead crafted his plot.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Stephen Lawhead </a>

Web Site: http://www.stephenlawhead.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

How Firm A Foundation by David Weber

Ok, I’m losing count, this is another book in the excellent Safehold series.  Safehold is a planet lost from an alien intelligence that has wiped out mankind except for Safehold.    Safehold’s founders founded a new religion to deter industrialization in hopes of not attracting the attention of mankind’s nemesis.

The aforementioned theocracy has become dominated by the gang of four.   The gang of four, are four corrupt churchmen who will do anything, no matter how despicable, to remain in power.   Mass murder, terriorism, torture and even instigating civil war and denying all progress, it still manages to trumpet it’s godliness.  

As all of Weber’s works he has deplorable villains and laudable heroes.   Weber works many of current society’s ills into his work.   Fanaticism, jihad, corruption, facile politicians, evil empires; he manages to include or refer to through proxy.

Weber is one of those rare authors who can infiltrate your emotions with his characters and feel you full of empathy for their actions.   This book shows the Charisian Empire, once more, co-opting a former foe into a stalwart ally.  

Some reviews complain that Weber is wordy but each brush stroke can increase the depth and beauty of a work.  

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> David Weber </a>

Web Site: http://www.davidweber.net/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Imager’s Intrigue by L.E. Modesitt, jr

This is the 3rd book in the Imager series. In the spirit of the terrific Recluse series, the Imager series debuts a new world of similar interest. Imagers, much like mages in the Recluse series seem both powerful and powerless. This book continues the story of a budding artist journeyman who tragically discovers he is an Imager. Rhen, the protagonist, continues his growth in ability and understanding on how to protect himself and his country.

Modesitt clearly shows who pays for government action and inaction. Politicians send the spear on the way but the sharp point is covered with the bodies of those who have to implement the action. Rhen’s character begins to see that inaction may be more dangerous than direct action.

 

I like the way women are portrayed in Modesitt’s work. He notes frequently that women have the skill to lead but are often held back by the fear of the men who so often are in control. Strong, capable women are shown throughout his work. Modesitt may not be a feminist but he certainly demonstrates that women are and should be equals.

 

In many ways this is a thinly disguised commentary on how profits and political infighting can drag a nation down. Too bad most political animals are too concerned with self serving interests to read books like these and perhaps learn.

Once again the common thread, as I perceive it, in Modesitt’s stories is the lone soul fighting for self identity in a harsh world. Imager was the first book and was excellent and I read Scholar out of order and it was the book that triggered my interest in reading the series.

I highly recommend.

Body of work of L.E. Modesitt</a>

Site: http://www.lemodesittjr.com/

Happy Holidays From Bearly Tolerable Publications!

Happy Holidays From Bearly Tolerable Publications!

Click Here

Coup D’Etat by Harry Turtledove

This is a compilation of vignettes of soldiers fighting an alternate history World War II.  

I am normally a very big Turtledove fan.  Not so much on this book.  It covered many of the WWII fronts and the lives of the men and women who suffered through war.  Turtledove had good character studies, as always.

What was missing from this book was any kind of plot if you ignore the fact that WWII could be identified as the plot.  Nothing fit together; you just couldn’t tie all the character studies into a visual whole.   I kept expecting to see some masterful pulling together of separate threads to make a garment that I would happily donned.  It never happened.

Body of work of   <a type="amzn" >Harry Turtledove</a>

Site: http://www.sfsite.com/~silverag/turtledove.html

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Free eBooks 2012 Holiday Treat

Free eBooks From Novelist Michael R. Hicks

While this page is entitled “Free Novel,” that’s actually a total lie: by coming here, you can get not one, not two, but three free bestselling novels!
I’m offering Season Of The Harvest (Harvest Trilogy, Book 1), First Contact (In Her Name: The Last War, Book 1) and Empire (In Her Name: Redemption, Book 1) completely free as ebooks. There are no strings attached. You don’t even have to cough up your email address or join my newsletter to get them.
All of these books have been on Amazon’s bestseller lists, and readers actually seem to like them. Don’t take my word for it – check out some of the reviews on Amazon (I’m directing you to the Amazon reviews just because there are more to look at; the reviews on other retail sites are similar) for Season Of The Harvest, Empire, and First Contact. You can also check out the ratings for my books on Goodreads.
Why am I giving away these bestsellers for free? Because I want to get you hooked. I want you to read them and be so eager to read the rest that you’ll just click on those little buy buttons. The only risk to you is a little bit of time spent reading to see if you like the books.
So, grab them and get reading! And if you enjoy these books, please do me a huge favor and tell your friends! Spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, in the lunch room, etc., and feel free to send them to this page or even email copies of the books to them. My best advertising is word of mouth from happy readers!
Link to Free eBooks


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Sandy Hook Our Prayers Are With You!

Vine: An Urban Legend by Michael Williams

Michael Williams’ Blog Tour 

This book is self described as wedding of Greek tragedy and urban legend.  Apparently I am not a fan of Greek tragedy.   I know I like urban fantasy and have even written myself about an urban legend.  I just could not get into this book.   I made multiple attempts and failed miserably.   

I don't admit failure easily so this post isn't easy.   I can't even say I didn't like it as I couldn't even get a handle on it.  It will no doubt garner an audience but sadly I'm not one of that group.  This is why they make more than one flavor of ice cream, the world needs chocolate and vanilla and once in awhile rum raisin.  This book may be your rum raisin. It is quite different and it may be your cup of tea so I would suggest doing a personal evaluation.  

I am proud to be on the blog tour and to help promote a book that you might like even if I am not enamored with it myself.   Gasp! I have even gotten bad reviews on my own books so I am well aware how fickle the reading public can be.  And really fickle isn't appropriate, referring back to ice cream (You probably have noticed in the past how often food metaphors appear in my writing.), sometimes a flavor that is well loved by the rest of the world doesn't ever make your top ten.  I suspect that is the case here as I have read some glowing reviews of the book by people I respect.  I feel I may be out of step with this book but hey! marching has never been my forte. 
Good luck with the book Michael!

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

By Heresies Distressed by David Weber

 

This is the third book in the Safehold series which is up to book five by now.  A planet lost from an alien intelligence that has wiped out mankind except for Safehold.  

Safehold is really all that safe.  A corrupt theocracy controls the planet through a thoroughly venal church establishment.   That control is being threatened by a small kingdom of adept sailors aided by a artificial intelligence left over from the destroyed galactic empire of man.

Once again imbues a book with the courage, hope and despair that can move you emotionally.   He has the ability to paint characters of such likeable and despicable natures that your are seduced into long hours of unceasing reading.   The guy is superb.   I can’t wait to read the next book.  

The Machiavellian nature of both the good and the bad, the sheer courage and nobility of the protagonists make this another superior milestone for Weber.

I highly recommend the book .

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> David Weber </a>

Web Site: http://www.davidweber.net/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

I Saw Zombies Eating Santa Claus by S. G. Browne

My initial reaction to this book was less than stellar.  I made an assumption (you can guess where this is going.) that is was going to be roughly in the sheer idiocy category.  Well, imagine my surprise when I enjoyed the book.   The story is the deprivation of zombies by society and the zombie side of the story.

Andy Warner portrays a poignant, abused figure in this tale of discrimination.  I’m not sure black humor aptly describes the book or the plot.  Perhaps demented black humor fits the bill a bit better.   The story and plot are believable from a zombie point of view.   Of course, according to the main character, zombies have very limited points of view.   

Surprisingly there is a note of reality in the reaction of society and the benefits that might be derived from some zombie traits.   Plus the sentimental aspects of both Andy and bit player Shannon are surprising as well.  

The story is both disturbingly funny and touching at the same time.   This is a book that should be wildly successful in the thirteen to fifteen age group who revels in the destruction of zombies.   The title will attract them while driving away many who would be startled to discover that is a good Christmas tale.

I recommend this book!

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" >S.G. Browne </a>

Web Site: http://sgbrowne.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

FREE R.J. McDonnell's eBook Rock & Rip-Off

R.J. McDonnell's

 Rock & Roll Rip-Off, named 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year by Premier Book Awards, is free 12/4/12 through 12/6/12 on Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Rip-Off-My...

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Jealousy Glass Trailer

TRAILER FOR THE JEALOUSY GLASS Releasee on December 1, 2012.


TRAILER FOR THE UNIVERSAL MIRROR This is the first book in 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.

The Jealousy Glass GiveAway

About the book:

 "We came to stop a war before it came to Cercia.  And it seems the war has come to us."

Responsibility and patriotism spur Cercia's new leader, Quentin, to protect his beloved country at all costs and he assigns Asahel and Felix to serve as ambassadors and secret agents to Anjdur. Their journey quickly turns awry and Asahel and Felix barely escape a devastating shipwreck, walk a tightrope of political tension, and rescue an empress before they learn they must face an enemy closer to them than they thought.

Will they be able to uncover an assassin's plot before it's too late? Will Asahel be able to unearth a secret that is vital to their mission? Will Cercia survive its own revolution? In The Jealousy Glass, Perkins boldly continues a series of unforgettable characters and events that will leave you begging for more.

Go to Amazon for The Jealousy Glass  and   
The Universal Mirror.

It is always fun to feature a fellow author’s book.  Gwen is not only a good author but dreadfully personable as well.  I have had some email experience with her and she seems like good people.  I particularly like the fact that she doesn’t take herself too seriously. (see photos)

This is a good book and a good series.

Gwen’s GIVEAWAY:

In conjunction with the release of The Jealousy Glass, Gwen is running a giveaway for an autographed, first edition paperback of The Universal Mirror through Goodreads at: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/37726-the-universal-mirror

Please note that to make this giveaway valid for all bloggers on the blitz, this giveaway is available for ALL countries.  This is an international prize so have no fears in promoting it—Gwen will ship the book and assorted swag anywhere.  (The swag may vary, of course, depending on where the book ultimately ends up going.)

The giveaway officially ends on December 21, 2012—the author's birthday and supposed date for the oncoming apocalypse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gwen Perkins has always regarded the deep rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula as the one place that she feels most at home. Gwen grew up in small towns across the Pacific Northwest, going to slug races and strawberry festivals when she wasn't scribbling on any scrap of paper she could come by. She boasts the dubious distinction of going to a public school with only eight students, learning Irish sea chanteys from a man who sang with the Clancy Brothers, and catching tadpoles during classes.

Her adult life is generally just about as much fun.

She lives in the City of Destiny (better known as Tacoma, Washington). Her hobbies include wandering beaches, baking pies and lampworking. In between all of this, Gwen has written two novels in the Artifacts of Empire series: The Universal Mirror and The Jealousy Glass.  The Universal Mirror has been nominated for a 2013 Endeavour Award.

She is presently at work on future novels in the Artifacts of Empire series while working on another series in collaboration with Wilson Fabián Saravia.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Jealousy Glassa by Gwen Perkins

Gwen Perkins reintroduces some characters from her previous book, The Universal Mirror.  I’m sure she didn’t write this book in response to my plea for a sequel but perhaps she did.   Ashel and Felix are back.   This book focuses again on interpersonal relationships. 

The tension between protagonists is practically palatable in this tale.   There is a smattering of magic but it is primarily political intrigue.   I felt the attack of the Ruckh was isolated and didn’t fit with the rest of the story.  Some tie in would have been nice. 

The scene moves from the island state of Cercia to the main land where Cercia is regarded as semi-myth.  Felix, Ashel and Nicholas find themselves unwilling guests of Princess Irena.   Thrust into court machinations far more intricate than found on their home island bemuses the Cercians.  
I think a bit of back story for someone who had not read the Universal Mirror would be helpful and would provide more understanding for some of the characters and their interplay. 

I recommend this book!

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Gwen Perkins </a>

Web Site: http://gwen.ironangel.net/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Bowl of Heaven by Gregory Benford and Larry Niven

 

In spite of the title, this is not a dish of death by chocolate ice cream.  In some what stereotypical Niven fashion,  a starship comes upon an immense artifact (ala Ringworld) on their way to explore a new planet.

The artifact is a shipstar, no typo, a ship being powered by a star full of new sights, strange creatures and great adventure.   In spite of the comparison to Ringworld, the book isn’t just Ringworld warmed over.   The premise is somewhat similar but it ends there.  

There are three groups of protagonists as the story plays out.   Each group has it’s own flavor and message.   The story stops somewhat abruptly and lets you know there is more to come. 

I enjoyed it.

I recommend it.    

Body of work of <a type="amzn" >Greg Beneford</a>

Body of work of <a type="amzn" >Larry Niven</a>

Web sites: http://www.gregorybenford.com/

http://www.larryniven.net/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Thirty Three Days of Christmas eBook GiveAway

The Thirty Three Days of Christmas eBook GiveAway 

Starting the day after Thanksgiving there are thirty three days until Christmas.  Each day I will give away three Kindle eBook for a total of ninety nine in thirty three days.  To win a copy all that is needed is to request a copy by email at wbentrim@hotmail.com or to comment on one of my blogs or website and mention the Big33 and which book you would like.  The daily winner will be chosen by time stamp as to who requested first.  If there are simultaneous time stamps, the winners will be chosen by a random number generator.   If you do win a copy if you would be so kind as to review the book on Amazon I would be appreciative.   Winners will be announced weekly.

The books are in .mobi or pdf, please note which format works for you.  

The  books I currently have on Kindle are:

Ø      The Christmas Knot

Ø      A Quirky Christmas

Ø      The Wicked Good Stepmother

Ø      Hardy Belch And The Bully

Ø      A Big Scare Turns Out Tiny

Ø      Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All: Dealing With Bullies

Ø      Mommy's Black Eye

  

See details on books at www.bentrim.info

If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Road of Danger by David Drake (A Daniel Leary Book)

This book is another in the continuing saga of Daniel Leary’s career in the Cinnabar space navy. I compare this series with that of the Horatio Hornblower series and perceive that as a compliment. I love both of the series, one as iron men in wooden ships and the other as the carbon fiber men in the composite beryllium ships. It is the men not the hardware that makes the series so enjoyable.

Men, in this case, not being gender specific. Adele Mundy is most definitely female and may be the most dangerous of the Leary crew. I enjoy the interplay between characters and the pragmatic approach Leary takes in meeting his goals. Note that they are his goals and not always that of his orders or superior officers. These books are a treat to read and I always enjoy them.

Once again the “Sissie” and her crew are put into untenable situations and extradite themselves brilliantly. Again, the loyalty, honor and camaraderie are what makes the books so engrossing and successful.

Body of work of David Drake </a>

Web Site: http://www.david-drake.com/

Culpa Innata by B. Barmanbek

This story is set in a future where the planet is dominated by the World Union.   The World Union was created to stabilize the planet after a devastating global depression.   Brave New World came to mind when reading the book.   Phoenix a new, young global police force agent is assigned a murder that is well beyond her experience.  What she uncovers may be the most potent threat to the World Union since it’s inception.

I saw part of this story as a coming of age for Phoenix.   Although very bright and loaded with talent she is unable to perceive her own abilities and strengths.   Her lack of self esteem is her biggest road block to success.

The World Union does not read like a fun place to live.   The author takes aberrant aspects of society and promotes them far beyond their Peter Principle.   The germs of origin make them recognizable but just barely.

This is a thought provoking book, more thought provoking than enjoyable for me.   I had trouble getting into it and difficulty staying with it. 

 

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > B. Barmanbek </a>

Web Site:  None found

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Traitor Angel by H. David Blalock (Book 2 of the Angelkiller Triad)

This is a continuation of story of good versus evil started in Angelkiller. Angels and Demons so to speak are the main characters in this story. However they aren't the traditional Angels and Demons. It is the Army versus the Enemy with the Army being the good guys and the Enemy being the bad guys.   The world is being manipulated by the Enemy and it is up to the Army to stop them.

In some ways it would be nice to ascribe the troubles of the world to a mythical band of evil doers as the author does.   It is kind of sad that the messes we see today are self created.  However on to the story.  

The knights that appeared in the last story are still with us.   They are helping Mason’s cell of the Army.   Once again much of the action takes place in an advanced virtual reality.   This VR is so advanced that injuries sustained in the digital world can be inflicted on the physical body.  

The crew of good guys co-opt a Enemy mid-level manager and manage to inflict some damage on the Enemy.  One of their own is trapped in VR.  

The black hats versus the white hats is a common theme, less common is the reversal of roles.  Blalock does a nice job portraying a pantheon for both sides.   When you come right down to it, the series is a portrayal of the good guys against the bad.  I guess the third book will let us know who wins.  

I recommend the book.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > H. David Blalock </a>

Web Site:  http://www.thrankeep.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Move Forward--Embrace Bi-Partisanship!

WE ARE WATCHING!

I’m still in my pjs as I write this.   You seldom see me writing about politics or religion but frustration can motivate changes in behavior.   I’m annoyed and cranky!   The election is really not even over and already some &%$#@)(&**  politicians are stating there will be no compromise.  Frankly the Presidential election was moot.   Unless our do nothing Congress can start to compromise and cooperate, nothing will change. 

We are not red and blue, we are all red-white and blue.  Any idiot knows if we run a sack race, we tie two legs together and run in the same direction.  Apparently our Congressional leaders missed the memo, both runners have to go in the same direction or they go in circles and get no where.  

It is up to us, the voters, to get cranky and let our representatives know that doing nothing is not acceptable.  If we can’t break these bozos to the harness then we need a new team.   It doesn’t matter if you like the results of the election, we are all in the same boat and we must get Congress to start pulling the oars in the same direction.  

Bi-partisan should be a compliment not a curse word!

If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Shadow Show edited by Sam Weller and Mort Castle

This is a collection of stories in celebration of Ray Bradbury.  

I’m never sure how to review a collection.  I liked most of the stories.  If you like Ray Bradbury, you will probably like this book. 

It includes works by:

Ray Bradbury - Second Homecoming
*Neil Gaiman - The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury
*Margaret Atwood - Headlife
Jay Bonansinga - Heavy
*Sam Weller - The Girl In The Funeral Parlor
David Morrell - The Companions
Thomas F. Monteleone - The Exchange
Lee Martin - Cat on a Bad Couch
*Joe Hill - By The Silver Water Of Lake Champlain
*Dan Chaon - Little America
John McNally - The Phone Call
Joe Meno - Young Pilgrims
Robert McCammon - Children Of The Bedtime Machine
*Ramsey Campbell - The Page
Mort Castle - Light
Alice Hoffman - Conjure
John Maclay - Max
Jacqueline Mitchard - Two Of A Kind
Gary Braunbeck - Fat Man And Little Boy
*Bonnie Jo Campbell - The Tattoo
Audrey Niffenegger - Backwards In Seville
* Charles Yu - Earth: (A Gift Shop)
Julia Keller - Hayleigh's Dad
Dave Eggers - Who Knocks?
Bayo Ojikutu - Reservation 2020
Kelly Link - Two Houses
Harlan Ellison – Weariness

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Ray Bradbury </a>

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Midst Toil And Tribulation by David Weber

This is the sixth book in the Safehold series.  A planet lost from an alien intelligence that has wiped out mankind except for Safehold.  

The corrupt theocracy continues to fight to hold power.  Instigating civil war and denying all progress it still manages to trumpet it’s godliness.  

The breadth of this saga is amazing, roughly 3500 pages and more to come.   As Cayleb, Sharleyan and Merlin struggle to save enemies and friends alike, the church’s treachery goes on unabated. 

Weber’s characters are detailed and real.  He has the ability to make you loathe or love.   This ability means that you find yourself clenching your fist or wiping tears as you read his work.   My admiration is boundless for the talent needed to successfully provoke emotion. 

He does often beat the proverbial dead horse but if success is in the details then he is most successful.

I highly recommend the book .

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> David Weber </a>

Web Site: http://www.davidweber.net/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Another Exceptional Blog Banner

 In my continuing and often sporadic posting of great blog banners I present Shelly of Layersofthought's November banner:

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.