First Death (AUDIO)

This is a great pre story to Lucas Soul.  It explains how he came to be where he is in the first book.  It explains his parents death and how Lucas learned what he is and what he was to become. For a short novella it has so much information jammed into it and is so well written and interesting.  It is a very interesting glimpse into Lucas as a child and what he saw and had to endure to be where he is today.
I love when authors take the time and do these little novellas that fill in the blanks that fact hungry people like myself just eat up, and even better, put them on audio too so I can keep on listening right along and not miss a beat, it is so awesome.  Narrator Michael Bower is as good as ever with this cast of characters and I can't wait to move on to the next books in this series, he is that good.  I kind of did this and the first full length book out of order, so I can't wait to see what is in store for Lucas next.

5 STARS

Soul Meaning (AUDIO)

Time is running out Lucas Soul, half breed of a Bastian Mother and a Crovir Father, which neither race likes, only has a few more lives remaining.  But when a job comes through the Private Investigators office where Lucas works with his partner Reid, it turns things bad and sends them both running for their lives.
This is a great action packed, well written book.  The characters are awesome, interesting and the story has so many twists and trap doors to fall thru, but you have to get up and run some more it just does not stop.
I have the audible version and Michael Bower could not have done a better job with all the voices of the different characters and accents, he was wonderful and I hope he continues on with the series as he did such a awesome job. 
But either format you choose you won't be disappointed by Soul Meaning it was such a  good start to the series.  Also don't forget about the novella First Death which will explain some of Lucas' backstory and is well worth it in either form.

5 STARS

The Children of Darkness (AUDIO)

This a wonderful story set thousands of years in the future, when Vicars of the Temple of Light control the people.  In the town of Little Pond three friends, Orah, Nathaniel, and Thomas are coming of age.  When Thomas is taken and than returned from a "teaching", a secret ritual, that has left Thomas changed and broken, Orah and Nathaniel search for the secret behind the ritual that hurt their friend so much, only to find it also left them threatened as well.  When Orah is taken next for a teaching, Nathaniel follows and what they both find in the cells under Temple City will change their whole world forever if they make it out in time, the race is on.
This was a wonderful book, kind of like Harry Potter meets Divergent.  The action is non-stop and though some spots are predictable others are quite surprising and refreshing.  There are as many twists and turns as there are Vicars, and the treasure hunt to the keep was fun and masterful.
I listened to this in audiobook form which made some of the cytology parts hard to try and figure out for yourself, but narrator Erin DeWard does a excellent job with all the characters and their voices, he captures and uses the attitude of the book to suck you in and keep you listening well past when you should.
This is a great book that every should try.

5 STARS

Knight Apprentice (YA)

 Cerita is a hard working student, she also has a after school job to help her family out and helps with her younger siblings as she can.  So when this strange  guy pops into her life and starts trying to convince her she is of a different race and needs to come train with him as his apprentice, well things just didn't sit right.
This is a very cool, different kind of book.  I think  a large amount of people will like this book as it has a lot of diversity to it and I found that refreshing.  The action is at a level that will hold everyone's interest but there are parts that still slow down just long enough to let you catch your breath before the author turns up the speed again.
The story is well thought out and leaves you clamoring for book 2 The Choosing.
 

Knight’s Apprentice: Knights of the Immortals (book 1) by Catrina Taylor

Genre: YA Scifi, Alternate Reality, Space Colonies

Published May 24th, 2015 61 Pages Published by Midnight Rose

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/knights-of-the-immortals

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Knights-Apprentice-Immortals-Catrina-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00Y7E6B4E

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knights-of-the-immortals-catrina-taylor/1122232944 Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/554400

This book is currently free on Amazon!

Life altering reality, hidden in plain sight. Ralph has a problem. The Grand Council of Atlantis, the council who rules the twelve hominid tribes, has chosen his apprentice for him. This unusual move has one obstacle. She doesn’t know what it means to be Atlantean. Cerita Guzman is the oldest child in a struggling, single parent home. She doesn’t have time for world shattering reality to interfere with life. She has work, school, siblings, her mom, the house and now, of all things, Atlantis wants her time too. How is that even possible? James has lived among the homo-sapiens, on the surface, for most of his life. He’s training though, to serve his people in Atlantis. His heart is torn when his master knight requests him to bring in the young woman selected by the Grand Council to train with him. She’s in a lot of his classes. She’s beautiful. She’s human.   When Atlantis calls, he listens. As Cerita resists the call to serve Atlantis, James must find a way to help her accept the truth about the world around her, about herself. He does. He forces her to activate her internal nanites. She’s forced to accept whole new hominid species exist. If that’s not enough, she’s also forced to accept she’s one of them, when her nanites come to life, and she opens a wormhole into space. Join Cerita, James, and Ralph on the first adventure into the world of Atlantis. Knight’s of the Immortals is a Young Adult Scifi – Adventure that’s loved by readers of all ages. Knight’s Apprentice is free. Download it so you can start reading it today.

A unique author with a passion for her family, Catrina Taylor is in love with the written word. As an avid reader she finds her mind enjoys the worlds created uniquely in Fantasy, Science Fiction and various crossover genre. As an author, she most often plays in a universe of her own creation. Introducing us to the imaginary worlds of Xarrok and Atlantis, she has hooked readers, waiting to see where her imagination takes us next. When she is not playing in the universe of her mind, she is playing with her children who she encourages to follow her passion for words, and excel in every area they show interest. In fact, this talented word smith finds that life through their eyes is a constant lesson in self discovery, happiness, and curiosity. Inspired by her everyday world of family, infused with an unquenched curiosity, and gifted with the ability to take us to places we could never have imagined, Catrina Taylor is an author who promises to keep you fully immersed in a world of wonder and intrigue, waiting for more.

The Solitary Way (AUDIO)

The seed ship Eden is on a voyage to find and inhabit a new planet, but time is running out, the ship is starting to have mechanical problems.  But Captain Adam Kadman, his sons, and Lilith (the ships AI cyber-brain) hopefully can see that the ship makes it through with its cargo of cryogenically frozen people on board. 
This is a really neat and interesting take on the Geniuses story, not exact, but close enough.  I was lucky enough to have the audible version as narrator Steve Barnes was absolutely wonderful portraying all the different voices of the characters and the way he brought the book alive made you feel like you were on the Eden with everyone going through everything with them.
This was a great book filled with action and suspense not to mention the age old sibling rivalry.  It is just a downright really good sci-fi book.

5 STARS

The Sheriff of Babylon Bang Bang Bang (ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL)

This was a very well done interesting graphic novel about a government contractor trying to help set up a police force after the fall of Saddam Hussein.  It goes into the political and government issues that still face that country today, all the while doing it in ways anyone can understand.  I am glad this has turned into a series and wish I could have been allowed to review more of these wonderful graphic novels because I think it is a story that needs to be told and this might be just the best way to do it.
#weneeddiversebooks

5 STARS

The Road to Nyn: The Tales of Gaspar, Book 1 (MG AUDIO)

Kay is training to be a knight but he gets sidetracked when a group of Goblins attacks his village and enslaves his family.  Kay's travels to save his family lead him to all sorts of places and he meets a variety of creatures along the way, even a few Alamin the Wizard doesn't know about, but they always help Kay when help is needed most.
This is a great adventure book for all types of readers.  There is a lot of action to hold the readers interest and the Sprite will always keep you guessing.  For those who are interested there is a audio version, which is what I had, and Fred Wolinski, the narrator, does a excellent job with all the characters.  I don't see how he keeps them all straight, it is a monumental task and one that I am in awe of.  Mr. Wolinski really brings this book to life as you listen to it, it is awesome and you tend to forget where you are, here or in Nyn.
Whether you choose to read, listen, or both to The Road to Nyn you won't regret it, it is a great book.

5 STARS

Vernal (NEW ADULT)



All of your favorite gargoyles are back but in a very different, behind the scene roll.  But not to worry, you will fall in love with the new characters just as quick, as they are so wonderful and personable, although they are a bit older than the age I thought them to be.
Serena, the next in line to be Queen of the gargoyles and Tristan her blood protector for the next few months while working of a punishment, do something they are vowed not to, they fall in love.  But it is a very complicated love as Tristan is also a Prince of the Woodland Nymphs, he is 1/2 nymph and 1/2 gargoyle.  Tristan is already promised to someone else, someone he does not love but that will bring peace to the woodlands.  Tristan and Selena both understand duty before love right?
This is a great book, I am not sure how Randi Cooley Wilson does it, but she has topped the charts again.  This book moves with the speed of light.  The action is never ending whether between the diablo fairies or just the action Serena and Tristan make on their own.  You will never want to put the book down.  The characters are regular teens with normal teen issues with a few super natural/royalty problems thrown in, but they are loveable and they become great new friends, and you will, by the end of the book, be on the edge of your seat and wanting to see what happens next.

 

Vernal by Randi Cooley Wilson To be Released on June 30th, 2016

Genre: New Adult/Paranormal/Fantasy

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25901506-vernal

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vernal-randi-cooley-wilson/1123441022?ean=2940152864090

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vernal-Royal-Protector-Academy-Novel-ebook/dp/B01C65MLGC

Serena has a bright future etched in stone. Tristan has a dark past that haunts him. Together, they have a love that can never be. Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all? When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away.

 

Randi Cooley Wilson is a “New Adult” Paranormal/Fantasy and Contemporary Romance author. A resident of Massachusetts, she makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets.

 For more information visit:http://randicooleywilson.com  

  The Giveaway: Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The giveaway runs from July 1st through July 22nd. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prometheus Stumbles (ADULT AUDIO)

Derek Anderson's life changes one day when a young Psi-Tal gives him a blue plastic turtle.  Really, a plastic blue turtle, but it takes him into the dreamworld, and shows him thing he can never imagine.  This is a very cool futuristic book, where different groups battle for control not only of the physical realm but also the psychic realm as well.
For me this book started out a bit slow having to learn all of the many characters, but after that wow, it really ramped up fast and never slowed down.  I had the audio version narrated by Daniel F Purcell who did a amazing job doing all the voices for each of the many characters and keeping the excitement level of the book going even when doing some of the more level groups of people.  He was so good it is really worth the listen if you like audiobooks like I do.  But which ever way you choose I am sure you will enjoy this book if you give it a chance. I really can't wait to see what happens to Derek, the crew, and the turtle next.

4 1/2 STARS

Fight the Rooster (ADULT)

Nick Cole has brought together the most eclectic bunch of characters in this book and they each play the role of their name to a "T", right down to the poor "Great Director", who is convinced his next movie is going to kill him.  So the Great Director is hell bent on sabotaging this movie to save his life, meanwhile, everyone else is trying their best to prevent the Great Director from killing them, career wise of course. 
Nick Cole takes you on a wild ride called, show business, and while we would think it could never possible be this bad, I am sure there  are plenty of actors, and other behind the scenes people that can probably relate to this and worse.  This ride was funny at times, sad at times, but overall just plain fun.  So take your chance and fight the rooster.

5 STARS

Serafina and the Twisted Staff (MG)

Serafina is the CRC (Chief Rat Catcher) at the Biltmore house in the hills of North Carolina.  She is also a girl torn between worlds and trying to find out where she belongs and how, either with her human dad and her Biltmore family and friends, or with her catamount mother and her twin step brother and sister.  But this is one journey she thinks she has to so by herself, but does she need to do it all by herself and who is the new boy in the woods?  But there are other things afoul in the woods as well, who is the strange grey beard man, and even worse where are all the animals, hopefully with Braeden's way with animals and Serafina's way in the woods they will to get to the bottom of things before time runs out.
I was really skeptical about a sequel to the original Serafina thinking there was no way a sequel could keep up with the originals intensity, action, and plot twists.  but this book has all that and more, way more.  It is way off the excitometer, and I hear tale Mr. Beatty is working on book three of the Serafina series right now, how can he possibly top this one? Stay tuned.

5 STARS!!!

The Ajax Protocol (ADULT AUDIO)

Nick and the team are back but they have been forced into hiding after a assassination attempt on the PONTUS puts him out of commission and the Vice President tries to shut down the Project not knowing he is but a pawn in a bigger conspiracy to destroy everything America stands for.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the six books before it.  They have all been action packed and exciting from start to finish.  I have kept with the audible version of the series since narrator Jack de Golia is so good at all the characters and keeping the story so exciting, he keeps me on the edge of my seat just wondering what will happen to next to the team, sometimes I hate when I have to turn it off.  Mr. de Golia has given these characters and stories their life and a real pulse, I have enjoyed it so much I will stick with the audios. 
But whichever format you choose I think you will enjoy the Project series.

5 STARS

Revived (YA AUDIO)

 This is the final chapter in Roya's story and everything is crazy.  Zheung is back, Chase is still the same old psychopath he has always been, and now we add Alouette to the mix, oh boy, this is one crazy action packed finale.  There is so much happening your head will be spinning  trying to keep up, really this is one not to be missed.
This is one awesome book.  Sarah Noffke kept my emotions on a roller coaster throughout the whole book as well as my rear on the edge of the seat.  Elizabeth Klett as the narrator of the audiobook version was so good, she is the Lucidites, she made the series and it was great to have her as the narrator all the way through the series.  She was absolutely great, and I can't wait to find more books narrated by her.
This book/series was awesome and now I can't wait to move on to another by Sarah Noffke.  Thank you so much for the enjoyment you gave me Sarah and Elizabeth!

5 STARS

Kick (ADULT AUDIO)

Dan Jenkins suicide didn't get him out of his so called cruddy life, well I guess it did get him out of his life, but not the lives of those he gets dropped into.  Some were really bad guys that deserve to die, others just need a push in the right direction, either way, in time  Dan would get kicked out of the body and dropped into another.  But these lives are always a living hell for Dan until he gets the assignment of a lifetime.
John Monk took a really interesting turn on a old subject and wow how did he add so much action and  humor.  This book is really good and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens to Dan next.  I had the audiobook narrated by Steve Phelan who did a great job with all the different characters and made the story awesome to listen too.  The characters in the book are very realistic and the story moves at a great pace that will keep you page turning or in your car (or on the treadmill) listening.  So whichever way you choose to enjoy this book it won't let you down.

5 STARS

Roof (ADULT AUDIO)

This is a great book about a lonely man working for a big corporation that little by little replaces all the humans with Artificial Intelligence (AI) workers, sounds awesome right? But is it really?
This book was so well written that you won't see the ending  until it jumps up and slaps you in the face.  I am purposefully not going to write much so I don't accidentally spoil anything.  But know there is plenty of action and it is just a wonderful, wonderful book.  I had the audiobook version and James Foster did a great job of bringing this book to life through his awesome narration, this is my first audiobook with Mr. Foster but it certainly won't be my last, I will be looking for more audiobook narrated by him. 
So whichever format you choose don't miss Roof.

5 STARS