Infected by James Schannep

 Current technology has made it possible to return to the “chose your own ending” type of story far more seamlessly than its previous paper medium.  Schannep has written a book that not only allows you to chose your own ending but middle, restart and more.   A zombie apocalypse which you control is the main plot of the book. 

I like the concept of this book.  Not necessarily zombies but the ability to make decisions that impacts the direction of the story.   The book provides a good story but it also is teaching decision making.  The reader can see what action results from the story direction they chose.  

I am, apparently, not a particularly good decision maker in this story.   I seem to make decisions that lead to an immediate and painful death.   The breadth of the book allows the reading of a multitude of short stories.  I guess it is possible that if you make better decisions, the stories won’t be so short. LOL

Good concept, entertaining reading, I think the book will be a hit. 

I recommend the book. 

 Web Site:  http://jamesschannep.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.

Fantasy Art 2/26/13

Source: fantasyinspiration.com via Joseph on Pinterest

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

Initiate’s Trial by Janny Wurts

Curse of the Mistwraith(Wars of Light& Shadow#1), Ships of Merior (Wars of Light& Shadow#2) and Warhost of Vastmark (Wars of Light& Shadow#3) hooked me on Janny Wurts.  This is volume nine and I have missed some in between.  It is a typical Wurts, a richly detailed plot with superb character development.

One of the difficulties in reviewing or in my case recommending books is that often get a book that is out of synch with the order in which they were published.   I really don’t like reading books out of order.  No matter how much the author tries it is difficult to not have veiled references to a previous book when it is a long series.   As a matter of fact, I normally love that when I have read the books in order.   It provides a sense of continuity that I like.  I would like to have seen a little more back story.
This book may be a bit florid for many readers.  Waxing eloquently can be beautiful but a bit less prose might have increased the readability of the book.   Overall I liked it and it does work as a stand alone albeit a bit confusing without the full backstory.

I recommend the book.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Janny Wurts </a>

Web Site:  http://www.paravia.com/JannyWurts/website/index.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.

Fantasy Art 2/22/13

Source: sherdog.net via Tammy on Pinterest

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

Firebrand by Gillian Philip

This has the earmarks of a good series.  This is book one of the Rebel Angels series.  It is a fantasy adventure.  

This is more of a character study than a fantasy adventure.  The Sithe are long lived with a perspective of length and breadth.  They do not live in the moment.   Their relationships are complicated and commingled with their society.   The expulsion of Seth and Conal to the mortal plane is a harsh punishment.

Mortals, of necessity, live short miserable and often angry lives.  Seth and Conal are forced to re-evaluate their lives based on a new standard.   The characterizations are excellent.  The story has a gritty reality.  
A clash of wills with the Queen leaves the brothers with little room to maneuver.   Disaster follows disaster, violence begets violence.   This book is not for the faint of heart and may provoke depression if you really delve into the plot.  David Feintuch evoked similar feelings of despair in his Seafort series and it turned out to be an outstanding series so you may want to plow through this book in anticipation of the next one.
I am hoping the next book has a lighter feel.
 
I recommend the book.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Gillian Philip </a>

  

Web Site:  http://www.gillianphilip.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.

Fantasy Art 2/18/13

Source: fantasyinspiration.com via Aedyn on Pinterest

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

Bad to The Bone by Jeri Smith-Ready

This is the second in the series of rather unique vampire books.  The wealth of vampire books out there makes it difficult to differentiate yourself from the horde.  Ms. Smith-Ready does a nice job standing out from the pack.   She put together a unique plot with some “civilized” vampires.  The “good” vampires are DJ’s living in the basement of an independent radio station.   This installment has them facing revenge from some folks who feel they have been wronged by the vampires.

Ciara is the focus of the first two books.   She is a “retired” con artist who is struggling in college and takes a job at WVMP to make ends meet.  She quickly discovers her co-workers are a bit different.   This story has more interpersonal actions between Shane, one of the Djs and Ciara.   I guess some would characterize this as a “chick” book because of the emphasis on relations and smoldering sex.  I think the basis of every good book should be the characters and this author does a nice job fleshing out her characters. (vampire joke intended)

There is a lot of action and my new personal favorite character, Dexter.   

I liked the premise and the DJs concept.   The book was entertaining and romantic.  The romantic aspect is not something I personally find appealing but it will most definitely entice a large audience.
I recommend the book.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Jeri Smith-Ready</a>


Web site: http://www.jerismithready.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.