Saturday, November 26, 2016

The Chemist

If you do not know by now, I like what I like, without shame. Yes, this book is by the author who wrote the 'Twilight' series. That does not matter to me.

Aside from a couple of dips within the middle of the story (too much of a romantic side story, for my taste) this was an enjoyable read.

Recommended.

Jason

Monday, November 7, 2016

A Handful of Dust: Tales of Post-Apocalyptic Kentuckiana [Short Story Collection Review]

Genre - Horror/Short Stories
Year Published - 2016
Length - 54 (digital) pages
Written by J. T. Ford

Rating: 3 Skulls

Plot Summary:
These five tales paint a smeared, bloody picture of what might happen should *Kentuckiana fall when the dead decide to live again.

*Kentuckiana is a region combining the southern portion of Indiana and the northern tip of Kentucky.

Review:
This collection of short stories is a quick, leisurely read. Something to easily pass the time while waiting for something/someone. (I do a lot of that with my kids...)

Ford ordered the stories nicely, in that I feel they go from weakest to strongest.

I am looking forward to seeing what Ford comes up with next and watching him grow as an author.

Jason

Friday, November 4, 2016

Dawn: A Dwarven Creation Story [Book Review]

Genre - Fantasy/Anthology
Year Published - 2013
Length - 61 (digital) pages
Written by Ryan Toxopeus

Rating: 5 Skulls

Plot Summary:
"A great battle brought two heavenly brothers into our existence."

The universe was created through conflicting forces of light and dark, and so it continues. War has ravaged Illuma throughout its history, and this collection of short stories gives readers a sneak peek at four pivotal moments.

Review:
This one is a perfect example of why you should never judge a book by its cover!

I have now read everything that Toxopeus has published, and this one is definitely my favorite! The stories within this book are full of rich characters (as well as wonderful dwarven surnames) and details.

Interspersed between the four tales within this book, is the "Book of Throkden" - a dwarven holy book, which reads like the Genesis account of Creation.

My favorite of the stories has to be the story of Jessica "Lightning" Gordon (perhaps the most common name that Toxopeus has used!) who is sent on a quest, by the necromancer Xenobia, to find Fyuhrlhen - the halls where life was first created... an amazing, intense story!

Jason

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Incredible Zilch Von Whitstein [Book Review]

Genre - Horror
Year Published - 2016
Length - 56 (digital) pages
Written by Thomas S. Flowers

Rating: 5 Skulls

Plot Summary:
Whit had done everything right, but when the world seems against you, can good boys stay good? Whit never drank in excess, never said a bad word to anyone, did his taxes, even called his mom on Sundays, never even had a tattoo...until one night, the night a malicious clown turned everything upside down.

Review:
Thomas S. Flowers has done it again! He has crafted yet another tale that puts you directly into the skin of the main character, where you actually feel like you are within the story itself.

This is a story that you want to read, after having had a really bad day, because I can pretty much assure you that your bad day is not near as bad as Von Whitstein's days. This one is guaranteed to make your day better!

Jason