Last Command By Lindsay Buroker

This is a prequel to Star Nomad.   I reviewed it back in 2018.   Leonidas is a cyborg and he is charged to protect the Emperor’s son, Thorian.

This novella details the cause and the result of the destruction of the Emperor’s last redoubt.   Buroker has the ability to insert humor and pathos in a story.   She sucks you into another time and placed and you feel for the characters.

I have been impressed with her work before and astounded by her volume of work.

I recommend this book and 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.

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

This looked like an interesting series.  The first book is this one and it has an in depth character study of Phedre, a bonded servant.   Phedre can earn her marque to eventually be truly free.  

The book details her study of the amorous and perverted arts.  

I found the text to be overly florid.  The style seems to be romance novel with shades of gray and treachery.   I was unable to relate or even care about the plot or the characters.

I suspect that romance readers will revel in this series but for me it was a bit of a yawn. 

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

Now, Then, And Everywhen by Rysa Walker

 This book was confusing.  I found myself wondering if I was now, then or when.  It is a time travel book and it provides interesting theories on the resolving of or creating of paradoxes.  Add in the multiverse and genetic modifications and you have a wealth of variables.

I think the most interesting aspect of the book was the afterword where the author delves into some of her concerns.   That seemed very genuine.

This is a book that will demand concentration for you to comprehend where or when you are.  I, personally, did not have sufficient concentration to truly enjoy the book.   I am sure there is more to it than what I got. 

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

Solar Warden by Ian Douglas

This is the beginning of a series and I am really looking forward to reading more.   The premise is that all of the rumors about Area 51 and aliens’ visits have a grain of truth.   Mark Hunter, a Navy SEAL, finds himself directing a mixed band of special ops troops.   Said troops are to provide security for a starship.

The author suggests through his Hunter character that the secretiveness of the government program and the hiding of the actual existence of alien being should be corrected.

The plot draws from some actual suppositions in the past which enhances its credibility.

There were some pages that caused eyes to glaze over with paradoxical premises.  

Overall, the book was very good and I look forward to the next volume.

As an aside, considering the number of potentially inhabitable planets in just our galaxy, it is the height of arrogance to assume we are the only intelligent (often questionable) life to be 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.

Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia

Correia must be a beer drinker as monster hunter books couldn’t come from a sophisticated bourbon drinker.  LOL  This book provides a background history for Franks as he battles current foes.   If you don’t know Franks, go read some of the other books in the series.

I really enjoy background books.   It is interesting to discover where protagonist came from and how they got there and with an anti-hero like Franks it was even better.

Monsters and mayhem, super fun to read.

I recommend. 

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

Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

Mercedes Thompson is a werecoyote.   She is also a Walker.  Coyote is the American Indian Loki, a trickster.  Mercy is not intentionally a trickster but she does find herself frequently in hot water.   This book finds her trying to help her friend Amber with a ghost.

Briggs does a good job at making the unreal, realistic.   The politics and friction between the unnatural is as bad as our current national congress.  

Briggs has made some loathsome creatures less loathsome and put a new face on fae terminology such as elves.

This is an action packed adventure and will be ferociously devoured by Briggs fans, of which, I am one.

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