BOOK REVIEW: The Borealis Queen (Henry Guard)

 

The Borealis Queen is a delightful read that exceeded my expectations. It follows Nin's transformation into the Borealis Queen.

Yes, there are some possible plot holes that raise my eyebrows and knock half a star for me, I still round it up. Although they significantly distracted me, fortunately, the rest of the book still makes up for them. For example, why would two prisoners have access to her weapon before her battle when the enemies know well what she is capable of? The other prisoner, access to her scout? The timeline of the princess's capture and how her tribe has sort of recovered within a short period of time. The powerful and conveniently forgotten sling through some moments like Artko's distraction and final square off?

Besides that, it's a very well-written and enjoyable book. When an enemy is conquered, others arise, keeping the readers on their toes. Although many prominent characters are introduced along the way, they each hold their own and are distinctive, leaving their own marks in the story. The story is fast-paced and very imaginative. The battles are great, vivid, and I feel like I'm there with them.

It's a very enjoyable read and worth every minute.

5 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: A Quick Spin Around the Galaxy (J.A. Freely)

I had my own quick spin around the galaxy by reading this book. It introduces itself in the beginning as a non-fiction, a statement that gets better and better as the book goes on. We start by meeting one of the most unremarkable humans (although I’d admit he would make a better candidate than me, even in the beginning, as I would just suggest, “Do it, but do it quickly, please.”

The beginning feels a bit clunky to me, and I was afraid I had to suffer through the mediocre, predictable jokes, excessive name-calling (literal), and poopy burritos. However, I was pleasantly surprised because apparently, I care about the whales, too.

After the initial nitty-gritty before the journey, it became a treat to read the book and the plethora of imaginations and nostrils that come with it. It genuinely drew laughs and smiles from me, and the author does a good job inserting real messages without being patronizing, preachy, or cliché.

While I, a sadist, would love to see how Jake probably faces with ‘nothing’ back on earth at the end, with no one acknowledging his effort with his possible new tin foil Youtube channel and three subscribers, I think the story ends in a good note.

I’m still unsure what is going on in Nimpossipho with all the ice cream, but pass me the road-kill stew, please, as I’d love to recommend the quick spin and its exquisite cuisines.

5 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: Children of Jotunheim (Mehmet Caliskan)

 

Children of Jotunheim explores an idea that is a reflection of many aspects in real life. It's not unique, as there have been many books and stories that touch this subject. The presentation, however, is unusual. It reads more like a detailed exploration and expedition report that stretches throughout time. While there is a standout character, most of the books stay away from it, as if we readers observe the situation from far.

The ideas and plot, especially about how the colonization is revealed, are intriguing. Personally, I think it would be much more powerful if the book were more immersive, if the readers experienced all this from a character's point of view and were more involved, attached, and conflicted. It might not be the author's intention for the book, but I can't help but think how much potential it has and how stronger the story and message would be.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It just goes away very fast and feels detached to me. I wish to have a more immersive reading experience, as I love the idea and the world-building.

4 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: Afterlife (Ed Morawski)

 

I rounded up my rating to 5 stars, but not because the book is without flaws. In fact, I can list them, but I can also explain the rating in this review. 

Afterlife is an acquired taste. It touches on sensitive subjects and is very daring in exploring the topic. I have read multiple books from this author, and one thing remains consistent: there is always a burst of creativity and original ideas. Ed always prods deeper into unusual topics and delivers them with a bang.

The best part of this book is the first half, when readers learn about the reality of this dystopian society and when some characters go with their diabolical plan. Although I wish it were explored more, at least we learn things about these characters and their motivations. The intricate and grim society builds up to why this diabolical plan is necessary. Readers are left to decide whether the road to hell is really paved with good intentions, or the heaven on earth is built on blood and sacrifices. It’s intriguing, and the question I love to explore myself since I write in this genre as well.

The events before the ending are the weakest part, imho, where the suspension of belief has to be strong, and I admit it almost knocks a star off, but the ending itself is conclusive and probably provokes many potential close-minded readers, but it’s refreshingly unapologetic.

Overall, this is a read up to my alley. I finished it in less than a day, and if you are looking for something daring and original, I’d recommend this book.

5 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: The Eye of Ebon (P. Pherson Green)

 

 

The Eye of Ebon is a rich fantasy with two strong women as the main protagonists, navigating in a world dominated by men to fulfill their purposes and duties.

The author has woven a beautifully written story that promises many adventures to come. It doesn’t shy away from heavy subjects and intricate world-building. Readers are introduced to one of the main characters, Samiare, through the darkest moment of her life, which is very powerful.

I understand this is the first book of many, and there is much more to discover. Book One provides a complete story on its own. Almost. However, I think it’s missing an important bookend, Nechare. From something so prominent in the beginning, it dwindles down and disappears to nothing in the end. It doesn’t need to be resolved, but a reminder about an oath, something that is felt so strongly by the character. Samiare’s struggles and resilience in the beginning make her very intriguing. However, as the book progresses, we barely see that side of her anymore, and she unfortunately becomes less three-dimensional. The battles also feel repetitive after a few times.

Having said that, overall, this is an enjoyable book. It’s beautifully written, and there are too many characters to keep track of at times, but it will pay off over the course of the series.

4 out of 5 stars

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Millennial and the King (Miriam Schwellnus)

 

The Millennial and the King is not the book I thought it would be. From the title, it could be an awesome fantasy. When I found out about the actual content, I was ready as well.

As a late Gen-Xer, I can relate to the time period. Although Michael Jackson was not at the top of my preferences, I had one of his albums, which says a lot for a broke teenager who could only afford a few cassette tapes throughout the years. The quality of his music was mostly undeniable, and he was the greatest showman.

The book starts out great, but unfortunately, it goes downhill halfway for me. I like the parallel and how the author relates to her experience in life and as a fan. It was on par at first, but the book drags on for too long, making it feel forced and out of focus as it gets into 200+ pages. The out-of-focus is the one that doesn’t do it well for me. I think I’d be more prepared if this were categorized as part of an autobiography, because it focuses much more on the author. There are many relevant ones (and they are good), but there are many distracting ones that contribute nothing to the ‘plot.’ It makes me forget what I was reading. The author herself acknowledges this, but I have to agree with the unnamed beta readers. Two boring books are not a good option, but one solid, compact one is much better. I draw the number from the air, but maybe 35% of the book can be streamlined. The Screenplay chapter is an unnecessary filler, especially because it’s a mock screenplay. The first AI interview was okay; it tells many unspoken feelings, but the second one, although the last part is a good way to end the book, is also a very questionable filler, in my humble opinion. It blurs the facts and fiction. I’m not sure what the message is here. The other one that is absolutely out of focus is the political rants. Does the book really need this? Again, it distracts too much and weighs on the credibility, which is a pity because I’m sure a lot of efforts were put into making this.

Having said that, others might enjoy the book more. I admire the research, the sources, the details, and the experience of reliving the time again. It is nostalgic, and I reminisce about my own experience. That is the best part of this book. It is also raw and honest, which I appreciate.

3 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: Bird Streets Vampire Murders (Ed Morawski)

 

This is a creative book, and it quickly pulls my attention from the start. There are many characters, but almost all of them are distinctive enough. We follow the story from the main protagonist, Janice, who investigates bizarre murders after joining her new team. Unfortunately, some of the victims are famous, which escalates the situation and media attention.

I enjoy how this book doesn’t bother in being politically correct, and it’s both strange and cliché in a certain way. Although the revelation comes late into the book, it doesn’t frustrate me because it’s interesting along the way. My only but main complaint is the ending. It’s front-heavy with a lightning speed ending. While I don’t have any problem with how the plot is solved, it feels very rushed, and the best part is only fleshed out in a few pages. No spoiler here, but I’d love to see more of the catastrophe and the days leading to it. I can’t help but feel that the author wants to wrap it up and get it over and done, and it’s such a waste after all the build-up.

Then again, I don’t think this book is meant to be taken too seriously, after all, it’s a satire. There are many great details and interesting information along the way, including unusual characters’ behavior.

If you enjoy fast-paced mystery crime thriller with a touch of paranormal, try this book.

5 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: The Memory of Lost Dreams (Joseph Minart)

 

The Memory of Lost Dreams is an ambitious tale about a speculative world where we can enter and live in the dream. It explores the good and bad and how it can be used for the wrong purpose. It also brings readers to the world beyond imagination that exists far into the future.

The story is everywhere in the book's first half, and I had to recheck some parts to ensure I didn't miss anything. However, it's easy enough to pick up once readers understand the main idea of REQUIEM, the contraption to dream and mind control. It helps to follow one main character, although the story occasionally shifts to another area or perspective, but never in confusing moments, which I appreciate.

Imho, the book can be compacted because there are many mundane tasks and explanatory sentences that can be trimmed down. The dialogues are also clunky at times. While I'm not against using adverbs at all, there are too many of them everywhere. There are also some outdated references to what is supposed to be the future world, like manila folder, keychain, etc. I would imagine all these will cease to exist even in our current time soon enough.

Having said that, I applaud the original idea of the book and the way it's presented. Although it seems complicated, as mentioned, once readers understand the concept of the story, it becomes intriguing to see how it works back and forth between timing, the real and dream, past and present. It does get confusing at times, especially when characters have the same name, appear in the past and present, or when new characters are introduced late in the story, but one character driving the plot helps to keep it grounded. I also appreciate the story doesn't stray from the intended purpose, and the ending is satisfying to conclude everything.

4 out of 5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: The Breath of the Sea (Jeff Chapman)

 

 

The Breath of the Sea is another chapter of Merliss’s adventure. This time, it follows a very interesting journey of a family of a poor fisherman struggling to make ends meet.

I hate to say I saw the twist coming since the very beginning, when I had started to become familiar with the characters. However, it didn’t reduce my enjoyment in reading the tale.

The stories stand out great on their own, and when they intertwine, it becomes a massive tale of creative imagination. I like the characters, even the weird and despicable ones are intriguing. The sense of solidarity in this poor friend who sacrifices her best dress for a fishy smell reminds me of the childhood books I like, with beautiful illustrations about kids playing in the woods and doing all sorts of things like gardening, having a tea party, flying a kite, carrying a bucket over the river with their little goat companion. Somehow, I got that very nostalgic vibe from the scene, although my current self was on the edge about pushing them to hurry.

Besides a few jarring, questionable decisions made by the characters, like a secret that lasts a very, very short time, disregard for child safety, and distracting scenes, I really like this book. I’m lucky to have read the first book, because I think it could be confusing for others who don’t know anything about Merliss’s background, especially during the prolonged scenes about her magical friends that almost come out of nowhere for those unfamiliar.

Overall, this is a solid, entertaining read. I recommend this for readers who love fantasy or even someone like me, fantasy is not my preferred genre, but I can appreciate this. The story is captivating, the characters are realistic, the world is rich and imaginative, and it’s very well-written.

Also, it’s fortunate that I only read the blurb after the book because I think reading it beforehand could have diminished my enjoyment of many scenes’ revelations.

5 clumsy tea parties of 5 buckets of sea water

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Book Review: The Blackened Yonder (J. Gibson)

The Blackened Yonder is the first book of the series. The author plans for the series to have at least four books, based on a sentence I read at the end of this one.

The book follows three PoV, which I get to read from two different perspectives. This is one of my favorite styles because it’s always intriguing to see the opposites of a coin. Unfortunately, besides some mentions about the main conflict, the stories of both sides only start to integrate about 75% into the book, which, imho, makes this style non-beneficial. It makes me question the purposes, the timelines, or if they are in the same universe. At some point in the story, I even wondered if Garron’s PoV is set in the past for a brief period (it could be an awesome idea).

The characters start out very good. I’m invested in their causes, stories, and inner struggles. However, it becomes repetitive near the end of their journeys without much growth. I change from sympathizing with Athenne to feeling indifference about her wishy-washiness. The revelation of her backstory is also way too late and doesn’t have much impact to counter her reason to join the Saint in the first place. Her main friend/love and one of the reasons for leaning on her chosen path are probably not there for 90% of the book, and readers know almost nothing about him. I appreciate the humanity and how the two main characters are not following the path of The Chosen One, but Athenne is barely more than a pair of eyes. I would rather see the story from the other female Saint. (I will not attempt to spell more names)

The big task of the first book is that there are many names, places, histories, and lore to learn. It is common in fantasy, especially when it’s planned as a big series, however, some simplifications might help. For example, it’s hard enough to refer to the character as one name, but using the first name here mixed with the last name there and other attributes certainly doesn’t make it easy to follow. I understand that it could be intentional, depending on the conditions and the speakers, but it can work against the readers’ will to ensure who they are referring to. There are also a lot of ramblings at the end of the book where some characters go on and on with their monologues.

I think the plot has good potential. There is enough going on, but hopefully, the stories will be told by more intriguing characters. (Amun is good, and I like how she is built up before taking the task.) The world-building is rich, except for some questionable modern terminologies (I’m not sure about the time setting, but epoxy resin doesn’t feel like it belongs in this universe).

The best part of all is the writing style. It’s beautifully written, very imaginative, and descriptive. I feel like I’m really there absorbing the settings and scenery, where I can feel the grime on my skin, smell the air, and hear the noise.

If you are a fantasy fan and want to invest in learning the lore of everything in this universe and appreciate great writing, this book is for you.

4 of 5