Tag: science fiction

Snow (The Black Ice Trilogy: Book 1) by Mikayla Elliot

Snow (The Black Ice Trilogy, #1)

3.5 Stars

Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association, Member’s’ Titles

Date of publication: July 31st, 2017

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, New Adult

Where you can find Snow: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Series: Black Ice Trilogy

Snow – Book 1

Blizzard – Book 2

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Taken from all she has ever known and loved, Neva finds herself swept into a world of vampires where she learns she will determine their future. Yet she quickly discovers she is the target of a vampire, Zachariah, seeking to stop her from altering the vampire lineage. She must decide which path she will take while trying to protect the family she left behind and discovering a past she cannot escape.

My review:

When I started reading this book, I thought that it was going to be a vampire Snow White type of book. I don’t know why I thought that, but I did. If I paid more attention to the blurb, I would have seen that.  Oh well.

I don’t understand how Snow was labeled as a young adult novel. Neva, the main character, was married. If I were to guess at her age, I would put her in her early to mid-’20s. I thought that his book was better suited for the NA genre than YA. But that’s me. Someone else could have a different take on it. Which is a wonderful thing about writing reviews. No one’s opinions are wrong. Unless you didn’t read the book and give your opinion, then I don’t pay attention to those reviews.

I liked the plot of Snow. I thought that it was original. Neva is brought into the vampire world when her life was almost taken in an attack. She is thrust into the middle of a conspiracy that will leave everyone reeling. Can Neva bring Zachariah to his knees and save the vampire lineage? Or will she become a pawn in an ancient war?

I liked Neva but I found her whiny for most of the book. Yes, she had a terrible shock when she was turned. It would have been a huge shock for anyone. Even after Thedryk explained why she was turned and who she was, she still whined about it. She didn’t understand the danger she was in. For an adult, she didn’t act like one. I did like that she wised up during the last half of the book. Seeing what happened to her family shocked her into wising up.

I didn’t think that Zachariah wasn’t that bad of a guy for most of the book. Yes, he didn’t like Neva and yes, he was only with Eliza because he cared about the power. The author showed a 100% different side to him when he was interacting with his adopted daughter. He cared for them. I honestly don’t think that he is going to be as bad as he was made out to be. I do think it is awful what he did in the last half of the book. But it didn’t go with what the author showed. I wonder if there is more to his story and if it will be revealed in book 2.

I loved what the author did with the vampires in this book. While these vampires need human blood, they don’t need it that often. They can eat regular food but it doesn’t do anything for them. Not everyone can be turned into a vampire, though. The author explained that people can be turned into vampires have a special aura. The vampires can see it but can only turn if they have permission from the Council. If someone is turned who doesn’t have the special aura, they become something out of a nightmare. The author also had the vampires have a special gift. Some are stronger than others but everyone has it.

There is even a science fiction angle of Snow. There is a vampire that can open portals into different dimensions. It is explained more thoroughly in the book. I found it fascinating and wished that it has been added sooner in the book.

The end of Snow was action packed and moved very fast. What happened to Zachariah, he deserved it. But it was the end of the book that made me go what. First with the introduction of a famous fictional character. Then it was who was introduced in the very last pages of the book. It is that revelation that makes me excited to read the next book in the series.

What I liked about Snow:

A) How the vampires were portrayed

B) Neva’s storyline

C) The science fiction angle

What I disliked about Snow:

A) Neva. She was a whine bag for most of the book

B) Zachariah. I was on the fence with him for most of the book. But the ending events turned me

C) What happened to Neva’s family

I would give Snow an Older Teen rating. There is no sex or sexual situations. There is violence. There is no language.

I would reread Snow. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Independent Book Publisher’s Association, Member’s Titles, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Snow.

All opinions stated in this review of Snow are mine.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

StarToucher by C.J Odle

Startoucher

4 Stars

Publisher: Startoucher Ltd

Date of publication: February 17th, 2018

Genre: Science Fiction

Where you can find StarToucher: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Will humanity survive being judged in a galactic court?
New Age Sci-Fi, a mystical and spiritual novel.

After 3.8 billion years, the alien creators of life on Earth return to evaluate the results of their experiment. One species is found to be an extreme danger to itself and others – Humanity. Evidence for the continuation of the species hangs by a thread. 

Jake Connolly, talented up and coming LA lawyer, has a hidden psychic side long suppressed. When a series of intense visionary experiences threaten to derail his life, he is dragged unwillingly towards mysterious events deep in the Mojave Desert. What he discovers there changes him forever and will affect the lives of everyone on the planet. 

As the world watches its destiny unfold, humanity is forced to fight for its survival in a galactic court and justify its existence to far superior beings. 

My review:

I like science fiction. Something about aliens, space crafts, and the human race fascinates me. I would like to think that if aliens decided to come to Earth, there would be no mass riots or calls to shoot them down. But I am a realist. I know that people, as a whole, do not deal with things like that rationally. There would be mass riots. The leaders of all the countries would try to blow it out of the sky. When I got the request to review StarToucher, I did think that it would be one of those types of books. Even after I read the blurb. But, I was surprised. StarToucher is nothing that I thought it would be.

StarToucher’s storyline was original and a fresh look at how humanity began. I liked the fact that humanity began as an experiment and was monitored by aliens for centuries. I liked that the aliens found that humanity was an extreme danger to themselves and others in the galaxy. So the creators (I likened them to scientists) have a trial to see if humanity should be erased or allowed to continue.

The author did a great job of showcasing everything that is going on in the modern-day. He showed that humanity was doing so much harm to the Earth that its creators had to jump in to stop it. I loved it!!

The main character of StarToucher is a lawyer, Jake Connolly. I didn’t like him at first. He came across as cocky and way too sure of himself. As all lawyers do. When his visions started bothering him to the point he took a forced vacation, I started to see a different Jake. By the time he met Sarah and Genesis, he was almost there with the character transformation. By the time he was on the ship, he was transformed. I loved it. I love seeing a character change, for the better, in a book.

I thought that the author chose an eclectic group of people to represent the Earth. The President of the United States, the President of China, The Pope, a physicist, a philosopher, a shaman, a teenaged activist, and a mother. A broad spectrum and each lived up to their stereotypes. I had to laugh because the President kept getting choked by the alien truth device. Typical politicians. Too bad there wasn’t one in real life…lol.

I am going to admit that I was surprised by the verdict and by what the aliens were going to do. I thought it was going to go the other way. I was also shocked by Jake, Sarah, and Genesis’s roles in that decision.

There is a twist in the plot towards the end. With what happened and what was revealed, I am hoping that there will be a book 2!!!

What I liked about StarToucher:

A) original storyline

B) a great job of showcasing present-day issues

C) The eclectic group of people chosen to represent Earth

What I disliked about StarToucher:

A) POTUS. He couldn’t stop lying to aliens

B) Genesis. They blew the lid off of what was happening

C) Jake’s visions. My head hurt reading about them

I would give StarToucher an Older Teen rating. There are sexual situations but they are very vague. There is violence. There is language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings for StarToucher.

I would recommend StarToucher to family and friends. This is a book that I would reread.

I would like to thank the publisher for allowing me to read and review StarToucher.

All opinions stated in this review of StarToucher are mine.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Starswept (Starswept: Book 1) by Mary Fan

Starswept (Starswept, #1)

5 Stars

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing

Date of publication: August 29th, 2017

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Series: Starswept

Starswept – Book 1

Wayward Stars – Book 2

Where you can find Starswept: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Some melodies reach across the stars.

In 2157, the Adryil—an advanced race of telepathic humanoids—contacted Earth. A century later, 15-year-old violist Iris Lei considers herself lucky to attend Papilio, a prestigious performing arts school powered by their technology. Born penniless, Iris’s one shot at a better life is to attract an Adryil patron. But only the best get hired, and competition is fierce.

A sudden encounter with an Adryil boy upends her world. Iris longs to learn about him and his faraway realm, but after the authorities arrest him for trespassing, the only evidence she has of his existence is the mysterious alien device he slipped to her.

When she starts hearing his voice in her head, she wonders if her world of backstabbing artists and pressure for perfection is driving her insane. Then, she discovers that her visions of him are real—by way of telepathy—and soon finds herself lost in the kind of impossible love she depicts in her music.

But even as their bond deepens, Iris realizes that he’s hiding something from her—and it’s dangerous. Her quest for answers leads her past her sheltered world to a strange planet lightyears away, where she uncovers secrets about Earth’s alien allies that shatter everything she knows.

My review:

When I was approached to review Starswept, I was kind of “eh” about it. But a friend and fellow blogger, Kristin at Simply Enchanted Life, had reviewed it and she loved it. I trust her opinion when it comes to books, so I made the decision to review it. I am glad that I did because this book was fantastic.

Starswept takes place in the 2157 North Carolina. It did take me a while to realize that the book was set in North Carolina. I was so engrossed with Iris and Damiul’s romance that it didn’t register. It was only when the author makes a point of mentioning Charlotte, that my radar went off.

Iris was a gifted violist who, at the beginning of the book, more than anything wants her ranking to go up. She wants to attract an Adryil patron and be able to find her parents. She meets Damiul as he was running from security bots. He gives her a strange device and tells her not to tell anyone about it. It is soon after that she is able to see and hear him through telepathy. She is soon falling in love with Damiul even though he is hiding something from her. At the same time, she attracts an Adryil patron and is soon off to their planet. But, she comes to realize that what she knew about the Adryil race is not what she thought. There are truths revealed that will shatter her. Can she pull herself together to help the one person who needs it?

I liked Iris and I enjoyed watching her character growth throughout the book. She went from being a music-obsessed teenager desperate to attract a patron to a mature young woman who was able to roll with the punches. Her personality came off the pages. I also liked that she was a typical teenager. Well, as typical as a teenager could be while trying to outperform her peers. I couldn’t believe the pressure that she was put under to find a patron. Insane, knowing what I know now.

I am glad that Damiul was only shown through telepathy. At first, I wasn’t. I like my romantic characters to be together and interact like couples do. Having Damiul so far away and only so Iris could see him was excellent. What also added to his allure is that I didn’t know anything about him. He didn’t talk to Iris about his family. When things were revealed about him to Iris, I was right there with her being stunned.

Music is a huge part of this book. Everything revolved around it. From the school that Iris lived and trained at to going to Adryil. I am not an expert on musical instruments or even the type of music that a viola plays. But, I did my research while reading. If you want to hear a fantastic violist, google Nobuko Imai and watch a few videos of her playing. Beautiful!!!

The romance between Damiul and Iris was a slow burn. It was also different because he was only available to her through telepathy. I got caught up in their romance.

The end of Starswept was not what I expected. I will leave it at that. If you want to know more, read the book.

What I liked about Starswept:

A) Great storyline

B) Relatable characters

C) The music

What I disliked about Starswept:

A) The school

B) The insane pressure that Iris was under

C) Damiul only being available to Iris through telepathy

I would give Starswept a rating of Older Teen. There is no sex or sexual situations in this book. There is a couple of kisses but that’s it. There is some mild violence sprinkled throughout the book. There is also mild language.

There are trigger warnings in the book. Because these would be considered spoilers, I will white them out. Highlight if you want to read them. They are slavery.

I would recommend Starswept to family and friends. I would give them a heads up about the trigger warning. This is a book that I would reread.

I would like to thank Snowy Wings Publishing for allowing me to read and review Starswept.

All opinions stated in this review of Starswept are mine.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Hot and Badgered (The Honey Badgers: Book 1) by Shelly Laurenston

Hot and Badgered (The Honey Badger Chronicles Book 1) by [Laurenston, Shelly]

4 Stars

Publisher: Kensington Books, Kensington

Date of publication: March 27, 2018

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Number of pages: 400

POV: 3rd person

Series: The Honey Badgers

Hot and Badgered – Book 1

Where you can find Hot and Badgered: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely, they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.
 
Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is if he can keep up . . .

Trigger Warning: None

Continue reading “Hot and Badgered (The Honey Badgers: Book 1) by Shelly Laurenston” →

The Tabernacle of Legion by Kevin Schillo

The Tabernacle of Legion by [Schillo, Kevin]

3.5 Stars (4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon)

Publisher:

Date of publication: July 16th, 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Where you can find The Tabernacle of Legion: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

In the midst of a golden era of space travel, an alien artifact is discovered in the asteroid belt. The artifact seems to defy fundamental laws of physics, and it is at least three billion years old. In an attempt to learn more about the artifact, NASA launches the most advanced spacecraft ever built, crewed by the most qualified men and women in the astronaut corps. 

But they are not alone in their endeavor. A being from the dawn of human history with a mysterious connection to the enigmatic aliens has been awakened, and he will stop at nothing to reach the artifact and claim its power for himself. 

And what they discover will be beyond anything they could have imagined.

My review:

I like science fiction. I enjoy reading about space, aliens, space crafts. When I was a teenager, I was a huge fan of Star Trek: Next Generation (sigh, Jean-Luc Picard). So when I read the blurb for The Tabernacle of Legion, I thought to myself “This is going to be good“.  And, for the most part, it was.

There are two plotlines in The Tabernacle of Legion. One focuses on the discovery of an unidentified flying object beyond Mars. The other one focuses on the push to get people out there to look at it. The other plotline is about an alien who is trying to get to the same object. Both storylines meet in a spectacular collision. What happened? You need to read the book to find out.

I didn’t like the dual storylines. I felt that they took away from the core of the story (space, UFO, alien!!) and dragged it out. Normally, I don’t complain about dual storylines. I like them. Having more than one storyline adds depth and character to the book. But considering the story, I feel that maybe there should have been one. I would have loved to have known more about Ask, why he was on Earth, and why the Legion decided to freeze him. I also would have loved for a more in-depth look at the astronauts’ backgrounds. Also at their preparations for the journey to the object.

I thought that Ask was a very interesting character. His views on the “baselines” (aka humans) was different and fascinating. As was that he was brought to Earth to help shape humanity. But he was punished after a costly mistake. I enjoyed the whole nanonites angle to his storyline. It was interesting to see that he could use them as a weapon or the change his appearance. I do wish that more insight was given into what his mistake was or even his background.

I did connect with most of the main characters in the book, except Jed, the mathematician. He annoyed the ever-living out of me. Every once in a while, a character does that too me. When he was talking to his daughter, towards the end of the book, I was eye-rolling hardcore. Everyone else’s was moving and cute. His was….weird with a touching moment at the end of his dialogue.

There were a couple of twists at the end of the book that blew my mind. There was no lead up to either of them. Which was great and it changed the way I viewed certain characters.

The end of the book was interesting. Like I mentioned above, there were a couple of twists. I also liked what the author did with the ending. He left it open to a second story.

Pros of The Tabernacle of Legion:

A). Great storyline

B) Great view of space travel

C) Developed characters.

Cons of The Tabernacle of Legion:

A) Dual storylines

B) Jed.

C) Ask’s motives for getting to the object

I would give The Tabernacle of Legion an Older Teen rating. There is sex (vague but it’s there), violence and some mild language. I would recommend no one under the age of 16 read this book.

There are no trigger warnings in this book.

I would recommend The Tabernacle of Legion to family and friends. I would also reread this book.

I would like to thank Kevin Schillo for allowing me to read and review The Tabernacle of Legion.

All opinions stated in this review of The Tabernacle of Legion are mine

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Daughters of the Storm (Blood and Gold: Book 1) by Kim Wilkins

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Ray

Date of publication: March 6th, 2018

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Series: Blood and Gold

The Crown of Rowan – Book 0.5

Daughters of the Storm – Book 1

Sisters of the Fire – Book 2

Where you can find Daughters of the Storm: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Five very different sisters team up against their stepbrother to save their kingdom in this Norse-flavored fantasy epic–the start of a new series in the tradition of Naomi Novik, Peter V. Brett, and Robin Hobb.

FIVE ROYAL SISTERS. ONE CROWN.

They are the daughters of a king. Though they share the same royal blood, they could not be more different. Bluebell is a proud warrior, stronger than any man and with an ironclad heart to match. Rose’s heart is all too passionate: She is the queen of a neighboring kingdom, who is risking everything for a forbidden love. The twins: vain Ivy, who lives for admiration, and zealous Willow, who lives for the gods. And Ash, who is discovering a dangerous talent for magic that might be a gift–or a curse.

But when their father is stricken by a mysterious ailment, they must come together on a desperate journey to save him and prevent their treacherous stepbrother from seizing the throne. Their mission: find the powerful witch who can cure the king. But to succeed on their quest, they must overcome their differences and hope that the secrets they hide from one another and the world are never brought to light. Because if this royal family breaks, it could destroy the kingdom.

Trigger Warning: None

Continue reading “Daughters of the Storm (Blood and Gold: Book 1) by Kim Wilkins” →

The Forgotten (Zola Flash: Book 2) by T. Marie Alexander

The Forgotten (Zola Flash, #2)

 4 Stars 

Publisher: Lateaikia Alexander

Date of publication: June 7th, 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Series: Zola Flash

Zola Flash – Book 1 (review here)

The Forgotten – Book 2

Where you can find Zola Flash: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book Synopsis (from Goodreads):

ZOLA HAS LOST SO MUCH.
Her family
Her home.
Her sense of self.

BUT SHE HAS ALSO GAINED.
Friends.
Another home.
And Pin, the Payohlini she loves above all else.

With Renz gone and no one to command the Payohlini army, Zola assumed everything would go back to normal. Well, as normal as life could be for someone like her. The war should be over and her planet and people should be safe. Having accomplished what she set out to do—getting revenge for her family’s murder, she even dares to dream of days spent as a normal girl, of dates with Pin without them looking over their shoulders for flying swords. No more hiding, but living the kind of life she always thought she’d have.

With new responsibilities come new problems, though—as well as a Flash from her past that she didn’t see coming. 

One that threatens to change everything.

Zola thought she had nothing else to lose. Unfortunately, she’s about to get a galactic awakening.

No one ever said being a princess would be easy.

Trigger Warning: None

Continue reading “The Forgotten (Zola Flash: Book 2) by T. Marie Alexander” →

Tarnished City (Dark Gifts: Book 2) by Vic James

Tarnished City (Dark Gifts, #2)

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Del Ray

Date of publication: February 6th, 2018

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy

Number of pages: 416

Series: Dark Gifts

Gilded Cage – Book 1 (review here)

Tarnished City – Book 2

Bright Ruin – Book 3 (no expected publication date)

Where you can find Tarnished City: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A corrupted city. A dark dream of power.

Luke is a prisoner, condemned for a murder he didn’t commit. Abi is a fugitive, desperate to free him before magic breaks his mind. But as the Jardines tighten their grip on a turbulent Britain, brother and sister face a fight greater than their own.

New alliances and old feuds will remake the nation, leaving Abi and Luke questioning everything – and everyone – they know. And as Silyen Jardine hungers for the forgotten Skill of the legendary Wonder King, the country’s darkest hour approaches. Freedom and knowledge both come at a cost. So who will pay the price? 

Trigger Warning: reference to rape

Continue reading “Tarnished City (Dark Gifts: Book 2) by Vic James” →

Baby, I’m Howling for You (Alphaville: Book 1) by Christine Warren

Baby, I'm Howling for You

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: January 30th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Number of pages: 304

Series: Alphaville

Something to Howl About – Book 0.5

Baby, I’m Howling for You – Book 1

Your Lion Eyes – Book 2 (expected publication date: December 4th, 2018)

Where you can find Baby, I’m Howling for You: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

WELCOME TO ALPHAVILLE, where the she-wolves and alpha-males play… .for keeps.

Renny Landry is a wolf on the run. Pursued by a shapeshifting stalker and his slobbering pack of killer coyotes, she is forced to flee her job as a librarian to find sanctuary in the wooded hills of Alpha, Washington. A well-secluded safe space for troubled shifters, Alpha is Renny’s last hope. But the first person she meets there is a gorgeous alpha male with fiery eyes, fierce tattoos, and one ferocious appetite—for her…

Mick Fischer thought he left his past behind when he moved to Alpha. But fate has a way of biting him in the tail when a female wolf shows up on his property. Wounded, desperate—and disarmingly hot—Renny brings out the snarling, protective alpha beast in Mick like no other woman he’s known. Can these two haunted, hunted wolves manage to mate for life…even as the deadliest past demons howl at their heels?

Trigger Warning: Stalking

Continue reading “Baby, I’m Howling for You (Alphaville: Book 1) by Christine Warren” →

Heat (Dark Kings: Book 12) by Donna Grant

Heat (Dark Kings, #12)

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperback

Date of publication: January 30th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Series: Dark Kings

Dark Cravings – Book 0.1

Night’s Awakening – Book 0.2

Dawn’s Desire – Book 0.3

Darkest Flame – Book 1

Fire Rising – Book 2

Burning Desire – Book 3

Hot-Blooded – Book 4

Night’s Blaze – Book 5

Soul Scorched – Book 6

Dragon King – Book 6.5

Passion Ignites – Book 7

Smoldering Hunger – Book 8

Smoke and Fire – Book 9

Dragon Fever – Book 9.5 (Also Dark World 26.5 and 1001 Dark Nights #44)

Firestorm – Book 10

Blaze – Book 11

Dragon Burn – Book 11.5

Constantine: A History – Book 11.6

Heat – Book 12

Torched – Book 13 (Expected Publication Date: May 29th, 2018)

Dragon Night: A Dark Kings Novella – Book 13.5 (Expected publication date: October 9th, 2018)

Where you can find Heat: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude… .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole world goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like a stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

Trigger Warning: None

Continue reading “Heat (Dark Kings: Book 12) by Donna Grant” →