Happy New Year 2015

Larque on the Wing by Nancy Springer

 

This book is either a magic oriented self identity exploration or a mental illness fueled fantasy.   Larque is a young, middle age mother and wife who looks for her inner self and finds something.

There is a lot of social commentary regarding sexual identity and resultant societal dictated roles.   There is minimal action and maximum social spelunking.  Larque meets her long lost father, the perpetrator of said loss and the reader meets Larques family and their idiosyncrasies.

This book is probably used in someone's sociology classes or perhaps abberant psychology, hard t make a decision on that.

Web site: http://www.nancyspringer.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.

Worlds Book 1 by Joe Haldeman

The Worlds are the satellite homes of thousands who have left the confines of the planet Earth. Marianne O'Hara lives on New New York, the largest of the orbiting habitats.   She goes to Earth to further her education, meets a diverse cast of characters and grows intellectually and emotionally.

Haldeman postulates some interesting changes in societal structure.  In some ways his changes are a logical extension of some of the current political deficiencies. 

The story has political intrigue with conspiracies within conspiracies while general incompetence condemns mankind.  

There is action but the story is more focused on the societal changes and the development of Marianne.

I recommend the book.

Site:  http://www.joehaldeman.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.

Merry Christmas 2014

By The Blood Of Heroes by Joseph Nassise

This book is set in a World War I environment.   The forces of Germany have been multiplied by the addition of the undead.   The main protagonist is Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron who is a special breed of undead.   Facing off the Red Baron are "Madman" Burke and the American Ace, Major Jack Freeman.

Nassise sets the scene quite well with his depiction of a WWI battlefield and conditions.   His explanations for the undead are "reasonable" or at least as reasonable as most of the explanations in the Zombie books seem to be.  

There is plenty of action and heroics.   

The book is part one of a series and I intend to read them all.

I recommend the book.

Here are links to other reviews I have done on Joseph Nassise books.

King of the Dead

The Heretic

Eyes to See

Site:  http://josephnassise.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.

Mission of Honor by David Weber

 

This is number twelve of the Honor series.  Honor Harrington plays a bit part in the continuing saga of Manticore.   Haven and Manticore, Mesa and the Solarian League are all back.   As a side bar I heard from another Weber fan than he too was frustrated to discover that Hell's Gate and Hell Hath No Fury have not planned follow up.   It reinforce the fact that  I know I was not the only one disappointed when there was no follow up (and none planned) for Hell’s Gate and Hell Hath No Fury.

There was some deep background filled in with this book.   I would not consider this a good stand alone book.  If you are not a fan of the series, I suspect you would be thoroughly confused reading this book.    It is possible that Weber has always been this wordy.   I found myself powering through some chapters as the details became tedious.   I am still a fan and still enjoy the Manticore saga but the bloom may be off the rose.  With that said, I ordered the next volume, Rising Thunder, this afternoon.  

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.

Heart of stone by Debra Mullins.

This a romance novel with a fair amount of action. Faith and Darius are the main protagonist in this story. They are descendants of survivors of the destruction of Atlantis. The story is really about their love and how they establish it.

With the love story is the action and that is the war between the Seers and the Mendukati, two opposing groups from the survivors of Atlantis.  It's the story of love and treachery with quite a bit of action to keep you busy.

The steamy scenes put this book into the romantic category but the action and general story are certainly palatable to the male reader.  No, that is not a sexist remark, as I said about Prodigal Son that is an observation that most guys won't admit to reading any kind of romantic novel.  This book struck me more of a romantic novel than it's predecessor, Prodigal Son.  I do think it is still a good action/adventure/urban fantasy with romantic overtones. 

I recommend it.

Web site: http://www.debramullins.com/bookshelf/prodigalson.php

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 Colony by John M. Davis

 

This is a short story taking place sometime after interstellar colonization.   The colony distress beacon triggers and a squad of Earth Defense Marines is sent to investigate.

The characters are stereo typical Marines.   If you know anything about Marines is they have a "tude".   That "tude" serves them well as if you believe you are the ultimate fighting machine then you will strive to prove that fact.   The Marines in this story do just that.  They prove they are tough and they are courageous.

The emotions and philosophy of the story are laudable.   The characters are a bit thin on detail and depth.   The plot is action filled and the enemy is implacable and unresponsive to communication.

The story is short, it is action filled and it concludes with philosophic advice.

I enjoyed it.

Site:  http://johndavisbooks.wordpress.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.

The Clockwork Dagger by Beth Cato

This book might be characterized as a steampunk romance.  That should NOT deter manly readers but hopefully will encourage the fairer sex that seems to find it difficult to get into the genre.   The book has a strong female protagonist who is embroiled in an ethical dilemma.   Wanted dead and alive by opposing sides in a bitter war leads Octavia Leander down a narrow path fraught with danger.

I really liked this book.   Octavia, who often feels out of her comfort zone, does not kowtow to anyone, assassin, princess or villain.   As a protagonist she exhibits courage, resourcefulness and compassion.   All of this is tempered by a realistic look at life and her future and occasional bouts of self pity.  

Mz. Cato does a great job in her characterizations.  After reading about Mr. Drury, I wanted to grab my hand sanitizer.  He reeked of slimy!  The setting is interesting with the good guys being, at most, marginally good and the bad guys being even worse.  

Mz. Cato's website announces a sequel and I certainly plan on reading it. 

I highly recommend.  

Site:  http://www.bethcato.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.

Heritage of Cyador by L.E. Modesitt, jr

This is a continuation of the Recluce series, number eighteen to be exact.  Cyador's Heirs the previous book established Lerial as a major player in the saga.   Lerial takes his protection of Cigoerne to Afrit, the much larger neighboring nation in this book.   His defense of his homeland takes a surprising turn.

I have noted before in his other books, Modesitt infuses political commentary and philosophy as part of his story line.   Time Gods World, The Forever Hero and Order Master all illustrate philosophic musings.  There are times where the author seems to pontificate a bit but it always fits the story line. This book is no exception.  Mercantile distaste could be a subtitle.   Modesitt seems to have strong philosophic threads throughout his books.  

Again, probably repeating myself, the author takes a great deal of time building the scene before he introduces action.  In some ways that mirrors reality as constant action isn't even prevalent in a war zone.  

The common thread, as I stated in previous Modesitt reviews is the lone soul fighting for self identity in a harsh world.  Lerial finds a new friend and mentor as well as allies in surprising places.  

I highly recommend.  

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" >L.E. Modesitt</a>

Site:  http://www.lemodesittjr.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.

Seventh Star Press Cyber Monday Blow Out

 Coming Cyber Monday, Big SSP Kindle eBook Sale and Kindle HDX Contest!

We just wanted to give everyone a little heads up about this coming Monday, December 1st, which happens to be Cyber Monday in the USA! We will be having a very big Seventh Star Press eBook sale that anyone around the world can benefit from! 

We will also be opening up a Feel the Fire III contest featuring a Kindle HDX as the grand prize for a USA-based winner! It will be easy to enter and you will get bonus entries for tweeting and posting about the sale on the 1st! 

So what's in store?  Select titles from these authors  will be made available for 99 cents on Kindle as part of the Seventh Star Press Cyber Monday sale on December 1, 2014.

D.A.Adams

John F. Allen

H.David Blalock

A. Christopher Drown

Bob Freeman

JackieGamber

E.CGarrison

CrymsynHart

Selah Janel

J.L. Mulvihill

S.H. Roddey

Jason Sizemore

Steven Shrewsbury

AshleyRose Sullivan

R.J. Sullivan

Peter Welmerink

Michael West

Stephen Zimmer

Anthologies and Collections

Hero’s Best Friend:

A Chimerical World: Tales of the Unseelie Court

A Chimerical World: Tales of the Seelie Court

Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy

The End Was Not the End

Southern Haunts 1

Southern Haunts 2

Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery

Thunder on the Battlefield: Sword

Perfect Flaw

Vampires Don’t Sparkle!

- See more at: Seventh Star Press

Anvil of Tears by Erica Lindquist and Aron Christensen

 

This is a tale of civilization lost and survivors guilt.   Maeve, a fairy, is pursed by an implacable  bounty hunter driven by the challenge of a "mark" wanted for genocide.

Logan Coldhand is dealing with his own survivor's guilt as his truncated body and mind struggle to maintain his sanity.  His chase of Maeve is based as much on the challenge as the ridiculously high bounty.  

Maeve Cavainna is running from her past and making every effort to manipulate her future.  

The plot of the story has two guilt ridden protagonists surrounded by both enemies and friends.   The setting is a galactic civilization that encompasses a variety of sentient beings.  The remnants of Maeve's race are the down trodden pariahs.   A cult of death prays on the downtrodden of all races and ends up crossing both Logan Coldhand and Maeve Cavainna, a glass knight.  Mayhem and action ensue in the dark religious clash. 

A bounty hunter tale with psychological twists.

I recommend it.

Web: http://cifiscape.onyxneon.com/lindquistchristensen.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.

The Genome by Sergei Lukyanenko

This story postulates a future populated by Speshes.   Speshes are genetical special humans whose parents have gene selected their future.   The age old question of nature or nurture comes to mind.   This is an entertaining story with highly provocative and thought provoking side bars.

The author successfully pulls the reader into the story with minor action and then character development.   Alex, a pilot spesh, is the main protagonist whose character development anchors the story.   Alex's choices on his crew for a mission of mystery leads he and his crew to be immersed in an intergalactic confrontation.  

The author successfully combines action, introspection and philosophy in an entertaining format.  I recommend the 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.

Last Plane To Heaven by Jay Lake

A Wonderful Voice For the Genre,
You will be missed!

Sadly this is purported to be Jay Lake's last book due to his demise.  I only use the purported since I still see books by V.C. Andrews and she has been deceased for years.   This is a collection of Jay Lake short stories.   I have made it known in the past, I am not a fan of short stories.   This book was not an exception.   I liked several of the stories very much and then they were over.   There were others I didn't like at all.   I would prefer to remember Jay Lake for his outstanding trilogy on Copper Downs.

I would suggest reading Green  and  Endurance  and Kalimpura.  All three books deal with empowering women and defying the status quo.  There is a body of literature that suggests that if women were in charge there would be fewer wars.   I don’t think this is just due to the heighten sensibilities of women, nor do their lack of interest in macho posturing.  I do think there would be less conflict because when they do throw down the gauntlet, they follow it with massive overkill.  Green exemplifies that role with her temper and actions.

This book is worth reading as it shows another side of Jay Lake.   It shows some whimsy and in some cases a depth of creativity that might be beyond bizarre.  

Jay Lake's untimely demise is a blow to literature.   His mind drifted to realms that are daunting in their characterizations and scenes.

RIP Jay Lake.

Web Site: http://www.jlake.com/2010/08/14/writing-endurance-is-a-wrap/

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 Black Stars by Dan Krokos

This is one of the better YA SciFi stories I have read recently.   Mason Stark is a teen hero who finds living up to his reputation can provide some problems.

Mason and his team of ESC cadets find themselves wrapped up in another interstellar war.  If a back story had been provided it would be a lot clearer as to why the team feels how they feel.   The lack of a back story is the biggest flaw in this otherwise excellent teen tale. 

The characters are interesting, they exhibit the arrogance and stupidity of teenagers and they pay for it.   Of course they don't pay as high a price as real kids do if they behaved the same way.   The arrogance and stupidity comment is based on my own behavior growing up and should not be applied to kids today unless the shoe fits.

I enjoyed the story, there were some inspiring heroics and a entertaining plot.

I highly recommend the book.

Web Site: http://dankrokos.tumblr.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.

The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp

The full title of this book appears to be The Accidental Highwayman Being the Tale of Kit Bristol, his horse Midnight, A Mysterious Princess and Sundry Magical Person's Besides.  

This is a tale of a teen-age orphan thrust into magical events.   Kit is quite satisfied working for his master who is far kinder than anyone in his past life.   The demise of his master and the sudden enmity of a self centered obsessive Captain Sterne forces him to go on the run.  

His journey is be speckled with characters out of fairy tales.   Those would be the edgy, Brothers Grimm, type of fairytale characters.   The gist of the book is the journey and the inter-personal (person?) relationship with the myriad strange characters.

Kit faces adversity with courage and teen angst.   This is an excellent coming of age kind of book for young teens.

I recommend it.

Web site: http://us.macmillan.com/theaccidentalhighwayman/bentripp

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

Thornlost by Melanie Rawn

Touchstone  was the first book in this thought provoking series, Elsewhens is the second.  I was under the erroneous assumption that this was a trilogy. Unless Ms. Rawn wants to leave us all hang as David Weber did with  there will be at least another book.   This is a behind the scenes look at theatrical production powered not by animation but magic.   Touchstone, a group of four, has made a name for themselves as well as acquiring some serious enemies.

Precognition would be another description for one of Cayden Silversun's erratic magical abilities.   The nature of this ability escapes both Cayden and often the reader.   Mieka, his volatile elf like sidekick curbs some of his normal drug enhanced frivolity in this book.  The use of thorn is akin to the abuse of a variety of drugs.   Thorn seems to be more tailored for individuals and their genealogy which does not negate the fact that it appears to be an addiction.

Political intrigue continues in this book.   Vampirism is introduced.  Women's rights continue to be a major subtheme of the book.   Black Lightning's performances include targeted magic that appears to promote racial discrimination off a type that is similar to the Hitler racial purity concepts.   In this case racial isn't based on color but on whether goblin, elf, human, wizard, troll or giant rules your gemological background.

It seems that although Cayden postulates that theater can change society, he is shocked to discover it happening.  The interpersonal relationships between a rather large cast of characters fuels a major chunk of the prose.

The book is more thought provoking than action prone.

I recommend the book.

Web Site: http://www.melanierawn.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.

WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

 Animal rights, loss, depression and adventure feed the plot of this story.   WhipEye is a staff of power or is it merely a manifestation of a young girls power and love of animals.   Sam mourns the loss of her mother and finds herself in a struggle that threatens the fabric of her world.

The author does a nice job on showing a coming of age of a couple of kids while helping Samantha learn how to cope with her loss and recognize the loss her father is also harboring.

The pantheon of characters but good and bad are highly imaginative.   The author portrays continuations action with the characters learning from their harrowing experiences.   Charlie's wise cracking adds some levity to the terror of facing Magnar.

This is a good story that may help kids who are struggling with loss or personal growth by examples in the book. 

Web Site: http://www.geoffreysaign.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.

Patton's Spaceship by John Barnes

This is another time travel, multiple universe novel.  That is not a criticism merely an observation.   This story introduces the Closer's a multiverse villain and the Athenians a counter balancing time space police force.   Mark Strang is introduced as a professional bodyguard who acquires a very personal reason for a vendetta.

Home grown terrorists are the lead in of the story.   Mark Strang is the thread that weaves through the story.  The story leads through parallel universes and ends up with a world where  Hitler won WWII.   There is even a young protégé in the wings of the name Porter.  Porter is important to multiple universes.   I smell the influence of the Terminator series.   In all fairness there are so many time traveler, multiverse, parallel world books that it would be pretty difficult not to see so similarities between plots.  That does not denigrate this book.

The plot was reasonably complex, the action was robust and interesting.   I always enjoy the named personalities and their alter egos in the alternate universes.   Patton in this book, appeared to be much more likeable than he was in our universe. 

I liked the book and hope to read further in the series.

Web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barnes_(author)

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

Black Ice by Susan Krinard

Paragraph one, two and three are a repeat from my review of Mist, Krinard's previous book.   An urban fantasy based on Norse mythology, set in San Francisco and featuring a knockout godling/Valryrie, this book was quite entertaining.  

Ms. Krinard provides one of my favorite protagonists, a butt kicking female!  I enjoy seeing more books that feature strong, intelligent, tenacious female protagonists.   Mist qualifies on all counts.  The setting in San Francisco seems a bit tongue in cheek due to the infamous San Francisco acceptance of all things different.   The premise is that only in San Francisco could you have mythological characters moving about and  receiving no undue attention from populace or authorities. 

There are tortured characters, heroic teens, a motorcycle gang and plenty of nefarious villains.   Treachery and violent dishonesty is brought to life in Loki's character. 

This book brings more treachery to the table as well increasing the cast of immortals/gods.  Mist has a problem finding anyone she can trust.  She battles with her hands tied behind her back as she is kept ignorant of many facts by friend and foe both.

I recommend the book.

Web Site: http://susankrinard.com/books/mist/  

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

Pennsylvania by Michael Bunker

The premise for this short story is clever.  Use Amish to colonize new worlds since they would only need technology to get them there and once there could be self sufficient.   That premise seems reasonable on an Earth like planet.   Jed is the young Amish man who makes the trip to New Pennsylvania to colonize the planet.

The current Earth seems to be land poor so it makes sense to colonize if you want cheap land to farm.   Jed thinks it is a good idea and makes his plans.   The totalitarian aspects of current Earth culture impact his departure and his arrival at new Pennsylvania is tumutous. 

I think the premise is good.  The book is supposed to be book 1 which might translate better as chapter one.   Good characters, good plot, reasonable action and kind of like those tiny, tiny spoons they give you to sample ice cream, totally unsatisfying.

I enjoyed what I read.  I am not sure how it got on my Kindle.  It probably was free and thus proves the adage you get what you pay for.  Not critical of the work, just hate to be teased.  

Web site: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelBunker

Neither link for web sites was active

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

Of Bone and Thunder by Chris Evans

One of the things I like about Chris Evans is his wonderful titles, I last said this several years ago when I reviewed Ashes of Black Frost.  I highly recommend that you read both The Light of Burning Shadows and Darkness Formed in Fire and the previous mentioned Ashes.   The Iron Elves trilogy was excellent.   Evans did not let me down with this book.   A fantasy based on the Vietnam War was almost a bit too much reality.   Fire breathing dragons become much more intense when associated in your mind with napalm.   This book focuses on an embattled kingdom mired in a foreign conflict with little support from home.   Sound familiar?

The characters and scenarios were vivid and gritty.   Illustrating the depth of passion for your squad over more nebulous ideals such as religion or patriotism was masterfully done by Evans.   The frustration and despair of the Vietnam era was not just read but felt.  

"Anything for the greater good" is an amazingly frightening motto that is reflected all to often in justification for events that appall normal people.

This wasn't just a good story, it was a tangible reminder of what the "boots on the ground" go through in any conflict regardless of it's purported value. 

How many times and in how many ways has it been said that if those who made the decisions to go to war were the ones that actually had to fight the war, there would be so much less war?

I don't care what your political beliefs may be, none of us should ever downplay the sacrifices that our kids, our troops, make for us.  Right or wrong they are our siblings, parents or progeny and must be respected for what they do.  Which admittedly digresses from my review.   This is what a good book should do though, make you think, make you take a second or a third look at the status quo or "accepted" behavior.

Chris Evans you wrote not only an entertaining novel but a terrific thought provoking commentary with historic perspective.

THANK YOU!

Web site: http://chrisevansauthor.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.

The 100 Day 21 by Kass Morgan

A post apocalypse space habitat is suffering system failure after generations in space.  Their solution is to dispose of teen age miscreants in an attempt to discover if Earth is habitable. This story follows up The 100 which is the first book in the series.   This story chronicles the experiences of the 100 on Earth and does periodic flash backs to fill in the back story. 

The characters are maturing in this book.  The evolving maturity leads to changes in the relationships between the main characters.   There is a dawning awareness that abysmal ignorance ruled in regards to the conditions on earth.

The changing conditions on the space station are grossly impacting the remaining populace.  Those changes are foreseen to impact the 100 on Earth.    The main function of the plot seems to be to showcase the characters and their romantic entanglements. 

The book is somewhat simplistic but in the nature of the YA audience it is likely to be well received.

Web sites:        http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kass-morgan/the-100/9780316234474/

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 100 by Kass Morgan

A post apocalypse space habitat is suffering system failure after generations in space.  Their solution is to dispose of teen age miscreants in an attempt to discover if Earth is habitable.

The book has an interesting premise.   The solution to their problem is similar to many culture by disposing of the young they remove both a problem and perhaps they solve one as well.  Societies have been sending their young off to battle since the cavemen.   This book is tepid science fiction combined with teen age romance.   

The story eventually moved along after the reader is introduced to the romantic longings of a variety of teens.   It is a very fast read and I don't see it appealing to the older teen.  I think the very young teen and particularly the very young teen female may find the book appealing.   I am pleased to see an attempt to draw in the young teen girls into science fiction.  I do feel that the more kids read scifi, the better chance we have of getting more kids into science.

Interesting note, there is a TV show based on the book.  It claims to be young adult oriented but I think this is doing many young adults a disservice.  Considering the outlook of the high school kids I know, this book might be a touch lite.   I think the upper elementary or perhaps middle school audience would be more likely to favor the book.  

Web sites:        http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kass-morgan/the-100/9780316234474/

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 League of Seven by Alan Gratz

This is a YA Steampunk adventure.   The setting and the circumstances should put a new twist on the way you view the world.   Three barely teen adventurers and their Tik Tok jack of all trades, Mr. Rivets are all that oppose the Mangleborn monsters striving to take over the world.

The author does a good job providing age appropriate personalities to his characters.   Fergus can get so wrapped up in his appreciation of his sciences that he totally misses the danger he might face.   I think all of us who have worked with children and particularly very bright children have known a Fergus.   Archie exhibits the insecurities that epitomize the teen years.  He is a very flawed hero which, of course, makes him more believable in a very unbelievable story.

Equally the single minded Hachi is easy to understand due to the trauma she has faced.  I was a bit surprised by the amount of death dealing in an novel for this young of an age group.  It is appropriate to the plot but gives the story a bit more edge that may stretch the comfort factor of some parents.  

Mr. Rivets' interest in a self winding device provided a delightful tongue in cheek moment.   Gratz did a nice job in creating his Steampunk world.

I liked the book and recommend it.

Web: http://alangratz.blogspot.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.

The Watchers Knight of Light by Deirdra Eden

An orphan girl discovers she may be more than she ever expected.   Could she be a heroine of historic proportion?

Auriella is a teen orphan who is forced to flee from her less than satisfying but secure life when she is sought out by the evil Shadow Lords.   She endures her self imposed indenture to Hazella, a witch who abuses here.   She befriends a dwarf named Rupert and a pixie named Cassi.   They play a big part in helping her change her future.

Auriella is an insecure character who fears change and the unknown.   She is thrust into dangerous situations and barely escapes.   She discovers she has a role in the world and seeks to become the person she wants and needs to be.   The story is a coming of age tale with mystic overtones.   This is a good first installment in what I hope will be a continuingly delightful YA series.

I recommend the book for teens and upper elementary readers.

Web site:  Goodreads Page

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

Gritty Kitty Half Past Curfew by Dan Taylor

A dystopian future characterized by intense urban sprawl is the setting for Gritty Kitty.

Kitty Kane, the daughter of a megalopolis police chief, runs contraband with a Robin Hood mentality.

Gritty Kitty has a lot of potential.   The story setting is colorful and memorable.   Taylor enables you to feel the filth and darkness with his excellent descriptions.   Kitty Kane is a stalwart teen who has a conscience.   She is not content to reap the benefits of her father's position and remain an indolent teen.  

The story, is so brief that it is hard to really identify with any of the characters.   There is substantial potential here for a good novel or a series of short stories.  I enjoyed it.

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.