Flotsam by R. J. Theodore

I’m going to try and contain my enthusiasm for this new series.   I’ve only read the first book of the trilogy but….I really, really enjoyed it.   The setting is a planet, Peridot, that has suffered some sort of cataclysmic event that has sundered the planet into diverse cultures.   The interaction between sections is primarily a craft that appears to be the marriage between a traditional ocean-going vessel and         a hot air balloon.   The plot centers on a crew of misfitting individuals.   Captain Talis, Tisker, Dug and Sophia are provided depth and color and all have a major role in the tale.   A visit by Aliens is the yeast that leavens this story.

Captain Talis privately exhibits misgivings about her leadership while facing the world with bravado.   Theodore gives the characters flaws and personalities.   I admire the style and thoroughness of her work.

This is an adventure as well as a world-changing experience.  I hope Theodore is appreciative of my comparison to Robin Hobb’s early books, I loved them too.

I 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

Spotlight on The Last Lion of Karkov by Dale Griffin

Author to donate sales of feminist fantasy to Girls, Inc.

Politics, revolutions and sisterhood in European-inspired historical debut

 

NASHVILLE – The battle for the throne of Karkov commences in this epic feminist fantasy from debut author Dale Griffin. “The Last Lion of Karkov” (March 14, 2023, Books Fluent) dives deeply into the worlds of its characters, creating an epic fantasy debut that amplifies the hardships of politics, the sacrifice of love and the enduring bond between two sisters.

Using his experiences traveling across Europe and his passion for developing complex and endearing characters, Griffin’s epic features twin sisters who must fight for their rightful place in a male-dominated world. And in honor of the sisters within the story, he also plans to donate a portion of sales of his book to Girls, Inc., an organization that believes in empowering young girls to be independent and bold.

For royal twin sisters, Jillian and Natalia, there’s nothing that can come between them. Natalia is set for marriage to another kingdom and Jillian prepares to take up the throne as the first Lioness of Karkov. Raised to be warlords and rulers, Jillian’s path to the throne is met with opposition when the old warriors bring forth a male rival. Jillian must fight for her rightful position on the throne, but things change when she starts to develop feelings for her challenger. As destinies are altered and nations are spun into turmoil, Jillian and Natalia must reckon with the consequences of love and war.

For fans of Guy Gavriel Kay and Tamora Pierece’s Lioness series, “The Last Lion of Karkov” will give readers two new feminist icons to root for and suprising twists to linger in the mind well after reading.

“The Last Lion of Karkov”

Dale Griffin | March 2023 | Books Fluent | Epic fantasy

Paperback, 9781953865601, $22.99/$16.99

Ebook, 978-1-953865-61-8

 

About the author

DALE GRIFFIN is a historical fantasy writer releasing his debut novel "The Last Lion of Karkov" in March 2023. Griffin considers himself a traveler and a writer as a result. Married to his best friend and travel partner, the two explore Europe as frequently as possible. Inspired by those journeys, Griffin uses his experiences to influence his imagined worlds and the memorable characters who dwell in them.

 

An interview with Dale Griffin

Q. Jillian and Natalia are deeply developed characters in this story. Could you go into what it was like to create these characters and the work it took to evolve them throughout the story?

A. I wanted to create twin sisters who were subjected to the same cruel upbringing yet emerged from their circumstances with completely different personalities. Natalia’s character evolved more over the revisions than Jillian’s.

Despite some readers finding Jillian too quick-tempered and unfair, my thoughts are that she is the direct result of her childhood. Natalia, being a person who puts others before herself, should be considered the enigma. Early drafts did not portray her as spoiled during her youth, but I preferred to show her evolve into a proper heroine, with her love of Jillian being the reason.

Q. The story is set in a European setting despite being an epic fantasy world. What went into creating the world Jillian and Natalia live in?

A. Europe — its people, its landscapes, its cities, and its history — inspires me to write. I set out on writing the Euro-inspired story without knowing what the reader would think about my imaginary places obviously being taken from real places. Luckily, early readers found that it helped them picture the setting, so I fully embraced the method and ran with it.

Q. As a male author, what was your motivation to write a fantasy story focusing on two women fighting in a patriarchal society?

A. My favorite characters are feisty female protagonists who refuse to conform to what is expected of them. With Jillian in particular, I created a near-insurmountable obstacle to overcome and unleashed a ferocious lioness to attack it.

Q. You must have also drawn a bit from real life. Can you tell us a bit about what parts inspired your real life?

A. It’s easier to write about what you know. I was riding horses by the age of 4, which helped to write a book set in this period. My engineering degree was part of the inspiration for Lorenzo. Most importantly, my wife provided many influences throughout the book.

Q. You also plan to donate sales of your book to Girls, Inc. What is your motivation there and how do you believe this connects to the story?

A. It’s what Jillian and Natalia would want — to support girls in becoming bold and independent women.

Q. What do you hope readers gain from the story?

A. I hope that I created characters who will linger in the thoughts of readers between readings and well after completing the book.

Q. Are you working on any additional projects?

A. Yes, I have outlined a new book in a similar style where the lands are inspired by Scotland and Northern England, including their rivalry. A druidess is taken from her Highlands homeland to serve a Scottish-like ruler trying to preserve his title of king. But also, the continued “Last Lion of Karkov” story with the threat from the Desert Lion is never far from my thoughts.

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

Dead Country by Max Gladstone

Not sure if this is dystopian or alternate reality story, but it is a mix of modern thought and thoroughly mad max agrarianism.   The Craft, aka magic, is Tara’s life.   She is a big time crafter in the big city but goes home to rural Edgemont for her father’s funeral.  

Along the way, Tara picks up a pupil who has been abused.   Dawn, the pupil, is hungry for knowledge.  She wants knowledge to keep from ever being frightened again.  

Gladstone depicts a flawed Tara, flawed by the methods and people who taught her the Craft.   She has battled to be herself and to protect her world.  She goes home to discover that she must battle prejudice and fear in her hometown.

This is a good start on the Craft War Trilogy.   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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

State Slave by D.G. Voda

I saw this book as a critical commentary on our capitalistic society. In a dystopian future, a socialistic dictatorship rules humanity with a machine-based foe.

The state slave depiction is a scathing portrayal of the lethal potential of a welfare society. 

Political commentary aside, there was action, betrayal, despair, and awakening.

Overall it was a heavy-handed satire that I enjoyed.  

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 Drift by C.J. Tudor

  

The story is about a lethal disease that impacts the world.  Pandemic-focused it follows a mixed and unknowingly connected cast of characters. It jumped from character group to character group as well as jumping back and forth between decades.   The story has merit the style left me cold and confused.

Flawed characters abounded throughout the book.  Philosophically “good” guys finished not only last but dead.   Surviving was all about narcissism. 

This is a very dark look at 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

Spotlight on Minalima Edition of Snow White and Other Grimms' Fairy Tales

 SNOW WHITE AND OTHER GRIMMS’ FAIRY TALES

MINALIMA EDITION

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Harper Design · on sale November 8, 2022

The ninth book in Harper Design’s deluxe classic illustrated series—a beautiful and inventive fresh take on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, including “Snow White,” with stunning full-color artwork and interactive features created by MinaLima, the award-winning design studio behind the graphics for the Harry Potter film franchise.

SNOW WHITE AND OTHER GRIMMS’ FAIRY TALES (MinaLima Edition) (Harper Design; 9780063208247; November 8, 2022) includes twenty-three of the most popular tales penned by German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, taken from their original collection Children’s and Household Tales, first published in 1812.

Here are beloved characters, including Snowdrop (Snow White), Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty), Ashputtel (Cinderella), Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, The Elves and The Shoemaker, all reimagined by the brilliant award-winning designers at MinaLima. This deluxe edition is illustrated with specially commissioned artwork and includes nine extraordinary interactive features ranging from a pop-up forest and pull-tab mirror for Snow White and a wall of thorns encasing Sleeping Beauty to a three-dimensional ball gown for Cinderella and a pop-up tower for Rapunzel.

MINALIMA is an award-winning graphic design studio founded by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, renowned for establishing the graphic style of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. Specializing in design and illustration, Miraphora and Eduardo have continued their involvement in the Wizarding World through numerous design commissions, from creating all the graphics for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort to designing award-winning publications.. Studio MinaLima is renowned internationally for telling stories through design and has created its own MinaLima Classics series, reimagining a growing collection of much-loved tales including Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, The Adventures of Pinocchio, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

 

"No collection of children's classic stories would be complete without the inclusion of the tales by the Brothers Grimm so it was natural that our latest challenge would be reimagining Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin and many more characters and their chronicles – all collected in one complete, colourful compendium." 

Miraphora Mina, co-founder of Studio MinaLima

"This is our ninth title in the MinaLima Classics series and as this is an anthology of multiple stories rather than a singular piece, we sought to compile a feast of vivid visual treatments that work beautifully together. As with all our books, this, too, was crafted with readers of all ages in mind and has interactive elements throughout to make them actively participate in these much-loved tales."

Eduardo Lima, co-founder of Studio MinaLima

Alien Agendas : Solar Warden Book 3 by Ian Douglas

This is an exceptionally good series with a VERY diverse cast of characters and plot lines.  Interstellar travel blended with time travel, vengeful dinosaurs and demented Nazis plus Amazonian beauties as grandchildren.

Hunter as the former Seal and Elana, the telepathic knockout continue in their main roles.   The Space Force is maturing along with its equipment and personnel.   The author does a great job incorporating some of the more ludicrous aspects of today’s society.   Fake new, memes, conspiracy theories seem dreadfully appropriate the night before the mid-term election.  It seems more believable that all this rampant stupidity is imposed by an inimical outside force than ordinary people ignoring common sense and suddenly hating their neighbors.  If only it were so…

Perhaps Douglas has an inside track.

I enjoyed the book 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

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

 Proctor is a Ferryman.  He is a senior Ferryman whose duties are to take retirees to the ferry that goes to the Nursery.   When citizens reach the end of a self-acknowledged lifespan they return to the Nursery for rebirth.   Prospera is an idyllic paradise.

Proctor discovers that there may be a dark side to the beauty and wonders of his paradise.   This book takes a look at some interesting concepts of travel, sleep, dreams, and success.

It takes some very abrupt turns than make you rethink the entire plot.

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

Spotlight on Manna van Praag's Night of Demons and Saints

All Treat, NO Trick!

 

This October, critically acclaimed author Menna van Praag returns to her Sisters Grimm series with NIGHT OF DEMONS AND SAINTS (Harper Voyager; Trade Paperback; $17.99; On Sale: October 25, 2022). Fans of Neil Gaiman, Deborah Harkness, Alice Hoffman, and Naomi Novik will delight in diving into this dark, stunning read focused on sisterhood, dark magic, and the devastating consequences of desire...

After the battle with their demon father ends in a devastating loss, the Grimm sisters are separated. But, now three years later, as their twenty-first birthday approaches, dark fate brings them together once more. 

For Goldie, this birthday is overshadowed by sorrow. She cannot forget the outcome of that battle, the devastating tragedy that has wreaked havoc on her already turbulent waking life. While her sisters have thrown themselves into their own endeavors, Goldie has grown distant and inconsolable. Driven by grief, she devises a diabolical plan using a human sacrifice to resurrect what she has lost. 

When Liyana unexpectedly discovers what Goldie intends to do, she agrees to help if Goldie will try another way, without sacrificing a life. Returning to Everwhere, they combine their powerful magic to bring back what Goldie has lost. But something goes terribly wrong, and Scarlet is showing signs of being possessed by an evil spirit.

With their lives at stake, the sisters realize they must confront their personal trauma, make amends with the past, and once again prepare for a demonic fight to come. On the night of their birthday, battle ensues, and tragedy strikes once more.

Receiving gushing praise from outlets including Publishers Weekly (“a dark, delicious story”) and Library Journal (“determined to exalt the powers of the feminine and of sisterhood”), van Praag’s Sisters Grimm series is a dark, intriguing world that is bound to blaze a trail in the fantasy storytelling realm.

 

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

Conquer the Kingdom by Jennifer Estep

The book appears to conclude the Gargoyle Queen trilogy but the plot may continue, as a threat is left open.   Gemma Ripley continues to try and protect her kingdom while also trying to kill Milo a Morta prince.  Milo, a powerful force, tries to kill Gemma and destroy her kingdom.

Leonidas, Gemma’s lover, plays a large role in the book but will it be for his kingdom or hers?   The lovable and grumpy gargoyle, Grimley, and Violet the baby strix are also sharing the plot.  Personally, I love those two.

Gemma faces death with a surprising savior in the wings.  Once again, Estep populates her books with terrific, strong female protagonists.  

I enjoyed the book and 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

Spotlight on Allison Levy's Blue Flame

Award winning author returns with thrilling sequel

Delve back into Rachel Wilde’s thrilling world of Daemons

 

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Chanticleer International Book Award winning author, Alison Levy, returns with her electric second installment in The Daemon Collecting Series. “Blue Flame” (Oct. 11 2022, SparkPress) continues with the adventures of headstrong and tenacious protagonist, Rachel Wilde.

Rachel comes from a dimension that exists adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil).

While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.

In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.

“Blue Flame”

Alison Levy | Oct. 11, 2022 | SparkPress | Fiction

Paperback | ISBN: 9781684631711 | $16.95

 

Alison Levy lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of pets. When she is not writing or doing mom things, she crochets, gardens, walks her collies, and works on home improvement projects.

Her books feature female characters who are strong but flawed, making them more relatable. They stay rooted in everyday life while world-building in their fictional cultures. Intolerance of differences has become widespread in recent years. Gatekeeper encourages readers to look beyond what they consider normal and see through foreign eyes, a message that I hope will appeal to many in today’s climate.

 

Follow Alison Levy on social media: 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

Stumpy, The Three Legged Alligator an Oral Reading

Kids seem to live on their devices. This is a reading of the book, Stumpy, The Three-Legged Alligator. The book is read by the author in the hopes that it might encourage kids to read books on their devices or perhaps to even read real paper books.  Stumpy is an inspirational tale of not letting an impairment define your life.  Please share. This is a BETA. #impairment #books #reading

School of Fire, StarFist 2 by David Sherman and Dan Cragg

This book stands alone just fine.  It has been over a decade since I read the first one so it is good this stands alone.  There was no backstory which annoys me as I think that is important but it didn’t matter.  The Marines are asked by a planetary government to train their extended police force due to a rebellion’s continuing success.  

The extended police force has little in common with the urban police forces.   The extended police force would be considered a standing army under a different nomenclature.  

Political favors determine the officers in the extended force and it is primarily used as a dumping ground for incapable sons.  Fancy uniforms and spit and polish as opposed to any type of professionalism.    The urban police are capable and professional. 

The Marines find themselves fighting in addition to training.  They also discover that things are not what they seem.  The ruling oligarchy is self-destructing as its members maneuver for dominance.

The Marines must deal with treachery from all sides.

I enjoyed the book 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

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

This is a story of unrequited love.  Emily and Wendell are an item except Emily doesn’t know that.  Emily is totally immersed in her definitive book on the realm of Faerie and its inhabitants, big and small.  She has escaped to the north to avoid Wendell and concentrate on her work.  Emily is not asocial as much as antisocial.  

The story swirls around in bursts of ice and snow as well as stoic northern inhabitants who do not want to disturb the Fae.   Emily is, herself, a walking encyclopedia.   Her research is exhaustive and detailed.   The book is primarily about the interplay between she and Wendell.   

I enjoyed the book, the description of the terrain and weather quite literally chilled me it was so well done.   

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

Lest We Forget

Councilor by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Modesitt is a philosopher.  His books make you ponder your own reality.  I’ve read roughly eighty of his books according to my database.  Most had more action than this book but all of them have had some philosophic points to ponder.   Who knows if Modesitt is offering commentary on current events with his corporate entities and outside influencers impacting politics?  I think this is a political novel.  

In college literature, the professor and I were at odds over the interpretation of Robert Frost. I suspect there will be those who question my interpretation of Modesitt’s work. 

Dekkard and Avraal are former security aides.  Avraal is an empath and is now spending most of her time protecting Dekkard in his new occupation as one of the sixty-six councilors that govern the nation.  Dekkard needs protection due to his efforts to reform the government.

There are obvious parallels to current events.

I enjoyed the book and wonder if I am reading more into the book than Modesitt intended. 

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

Moral Code by Lois and Ross Melbourne

This is one of those rare books that is an entertaining read and thought-provoking simultaneously.  My own novels are set in the far future and AIs are ubiquitous in that context.  In this book, AIs are utilized but not self-aware.  The authors postulate an operating system that has an intrinsic moral imperative.   Their characters define morality in the context of worldwide societal samplings.   Combining the impact of artificial intelligence with self-replicating nanotechnology provides a plot framework that resonates with modern research.

The impact of corporate raiding and overwhelming greed provides the requisite villains to the story.   Roy is an Elon Musk type innovator without real-life flaws.

Keira demonstrates how good intentions can lead to skirting legal restraints and personal morality.

This review is somewhat circumspect as I wish to avoid spoilers.

I really enjoyed this book and it provided a wealth of introspection. 

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

Star Rebels by Lindsay Buroker

This is a series of short stories.  I’m not fond of short stories, I like something to sink my teeth into and short stories are not long enough to feed my scifi urge.   These are pretty good though. The three I enjoyed the most were Passage Out by Anthea Sharp, Blood Ties by Christine Pope, and Carl Sagan’s Hunt for Intelligent Life in the Universe.  A Tale of Two Ships might have made the top three but it was too short.  Just as I became invested it was over.   There are some excellent authors in this collection and it is worth reading. 

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

Death’s Bright Day by David Drake

Ever since I read the adventures of Horatio Hornblower I’ve loved books that exalt the attributes of courage and loyalty going both directions from leaders to followers and back.   Drake does this so well in his Daniel Leary series.  

Daniel and Hogg, his trusty, crusty pseudo-father/bodyguard are involved in a civil war in a sector that is in a “neutral” zone.  Adele Mundy and Tovera, the orphaned Lady, and her sociopathic sidekick/protector are, of course, part of the story.

As the norm in these stories, Daniel does a MacGyver maneuver combined with a strong dose of David Copperfield and saves the day.  In the interim, the everso proper Lady and her protector escalate the body count with a sorrowful soul on Mundy’s part and supreme indifference by Tovera.

I love these books.

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

Shadowed Souls edited by Jim Butcher

This is a series of short stories that are more from the gray to dark side of fantasy. There are a couple of recognizable Butcher characters but for the most part they are new to me.

I enjoyed listening to 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Kiku the Paladin Princess Trailer Premier

Purchase here.

The Shelterings by Sarah Beth Durst

An admitted fan, I was not surprised to like this book.   Durst reveals her love of talking animals.  I, too, am fond of anthropomorphism.  It can be found in my own books.   This book provides some serious lessons on self-acceptance and acceptance of others.  

Holly is a squirrel whose self-image was severely damaged when she supped from the magic pool and found her resultant magic skill was not well regarded by a wizard’s council.  Relegated to a home for rejects, Holly tries to make all who arrive feel better about themselves. 

The story is written at a very young adult or mid to late elementary school age.  However, it provides lessons that would well serve any age. 

The magic skills of the wayward home rejects are amusing.  The story has very mild conflict and should be suitable for any age child. 

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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson

This is one of those books whose title is far more appropriate than immediately realized.  Lydia is a translator for the Logi.   The Logi are aliens who have come to earth.  The story takes place in a stylized NYC.  Stylized in that after global warming flooded a lot of NYC the mayor froze the city in a Disney-like state of unreality, in essence making it a glorified theme park.  The Logi are telepathic but only very few humans have the attributes necessary for training as translators.   Lydia is assigned to Fitz, the Logi Cultural Attache.  

A murder occurs, Lydia becomes involved and discovers a conspiracy.   She ends up collaborating with Madison, a Logi that she feels is condescending.  

The drunk part comes from the impact translating for the Logi.   The mental effort leads to a mental impact that is surprisingly like alcohol drunkenness.

A thought-provoking and entertaining 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

EMERGENCY LOCATING DEVICE, The Locator911 Bulb

This is not a paid post and I have no financial interest in the product.  I am aware it had nothing to do with books but I feel it is a very important product which may save lives.

I live in a great community but the homes are nearly identical in appearance.  I’ve had service technicians drive by my home in the daylight and then drive by again.   If we ever need a first responder to find our home, I do NOT want to depend on faulty GPS data.  One of my neighbors found this product and I am delighted to have it.   In a very insecure world, I feel a little more secure.  

This product is simply a lightbulb.  It will strobe red, white, and blue when you call 911.  This makes it easy for first responders to find your home.   At $39.00 it is the least expensive peace of mind I’ve found. 

This link takes you to the company’s website to purchase.   I reiterate I have no financial incentive to recommend this product.

Here are a few tips on the bulb installation.
If you have an Android phone you may have issues connecting.
My phone would not connect but my wife's phone did. After connecting the software on my phone saw the bulb. Their website has a menu bar at the top with support, contacts, etc. On three out of four of my computers, there was no menu bar. If you need help and don't see the menu bar, try another computer.

Finally, if it sounds too complex for your taste, the company president told me in three weeks to a month they will be releasing a new bulb called the Freedom Bulb which will not use phones or wifi. It will come with a remote and installation will have no software.

I've got the bulb installed and I hope to never need it.

Deuces Are Wild by O.E. Tearmann

 This appears to be a dystopian type novel.  Sometime in the future, the United States has become a corporation or multiple corporations running things.   Without a back story, it is hard to say for sure.   This is book six in a series which is, no doubt, worth reading but this really doesn’t cut it as a stand-alone.

I like Tweak, the coder, and Liza the obsessive, insecure organizer or something.

I highly recommend reading the preceding books before reading this book.  I think I would have enjoyed 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

IN THE SHADOW OF LIGHTNING by Brian McClellan

I want the sequel and I WANT it now.   Pretty obvious I enjoyed the book.   I don’t usually start my review with my conclusions.   A family dominated empire finds itself under military assault while simultaneously dealing with the potential loss of it’s magical under pinning and a mysterious and sinister subversive movement.

The protagonist is a broken, brilliant glass dancer whose brilliance led to his emotional destruction.   Demir Grappo struggles with his self-image and self-confidence after failing to stop his extraordinary victory from becoming a decayed albatross on his legacy. Simplistically the plot is his redemption in both his own mind and in the minds of his populace and peers.   Of course it is far more complex than that and just the interpersonal relations are filled with drama.

I found myself speedreading because I couldn’t wait to see what was next and then going back because I didn’t want to miss any details.

I really loved 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

The Albion Initiative by George Mann

Sir Maurice, Inspector Bainbridge and Veronica are back.  Amelia is given a larger role in this book.   Queen Victoria decides that the Secret Service is a threat and uses her personal agents to clean house.  Our characters are caught in her paranoia.

Mann does a good job with his plot and characters.  Amelia, as an example, is allowed to grow from a minor, physically frail character into a main protagonist.

The amount of carnage would seem to preclude these books getting a young adult categorization.

This was a good story and it is a series 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Rise of the Catalyst by Honor Raconteur

Arwen is blind or blind to the world most see.  She is acutely aware of the energy fields that surround both people and some things.  Her career as a magical retrieval expert is laden with danger and occasionally violence.  The story is set in a Victorian-era or steam-punk type setting.   Magic is accepted but women appear to be facing traditional discrimination.

The plot is centered on a mask from a civilization that disappeared when Indians became native to this continent.   It has innate power that may or may not have sentience.   Arwen and her team, which grows through the story, are determined to get the mask back to its origins. 

The author has a very relaxed and easy-to-read style.  Arwen shows realistic feelings and emotions.

I enjoyed the book 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