Happy New Year, everyone!
I hope 2017 treated you right. I didn't quite reach my reading goal for the year, but I did read 106 books. Considering there were a few months that I didn't read at all, that's not bad. I read some seriously amazing books last year, especially from indie authors, so I think my next post will have to be my top ten of the year. But for now, let's see what indie books I read in December!
Origins of the Never
by CJ Rutherford
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An interesting fantasy.
Though
this has all of the typical overdone high fantasy elements like elves,
magic, and good versus evil, it held my interest. The story was
well-written and drew me in, making me care about the characters in a
short time.
A good intro to a series.
Mutant Toe & the Risky Recruitment
by Edward Davies
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
To be Continued?
This
book is not to be taken seriously, as in, it is one goofy roller
coaster ride of laughs and crazy plot lines. If you grew up watching 80s
TV shows or cartoons, the one-liners will have you giggling and rolling
your eyes. Even the other characters can't take someone seriously when
they yell out "You won't get away with this!" and "You'll never escape!"
which makes it all the funnier.
This feels like it would be a good
comic book, but some of what he is trying to convey just isn't coming
out well on the written page. This is definitely a more visual story.
Also, being as long as it is, the story would have more appeal if it
were broken down into comic book issues.
All around, a decent story if you want a laugh. Perhaps a bit too over the top for my taste, but amusing nonetheless.
Blood Master
by Kirsten Campbell
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
An
interesting take on a dystopian world that drew me in from the first
chapter. The main characters are fleshed out so well that we follow
their exploits with great interest. The details we are given about their
lives, their thoughts, and their feelings make them real for the
reader, and that's exactly what I look for in a book.
The story
itself is complicated but intriguing, keeping me glued to the pages to
find out what happens next. I won't give anything away, but let's just
say that I am rooting for the albino! If Book Two is half as good as
this one, it will be a wonderful adventure indeed.
I'm excited to read more amazing indie books this year and tell you all about them. Happy reading!
* Books that I read but rated less than 3 stars are not included.
Hello fellow book-a-holics! Last month was pretty busy, but I still managed to read a good many indie books. Who doesn't love indie authors? Here is what I thought of them.
Siren Slave
by Aurora Styles
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Do not judge this book by its "typical romance" cover! This story has a
goofy princess who loves alliteration, an OCD pirate into BDSM, a lusty
sea witch who has a potion for everything (including manly problems), a
fey "god" who loves bloodshed and wears a loincloth, a villain who
dresses in drag and has a bit too much affection for livestock,
mermaids, unicorns, and more. This magical adventure is a non-stop laugh
fest with a dash of romance and politics thrown in for good measure. I
highly recommend getting swept away on this voyage.
Kissing the Rain
by Jen Winters
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
nice, short prequel to Kissing Demons told from Alex's point of view.
We see his constant struggle with the two forces warring within him and
feel his fear about his father's call. I enjoyed getting in this
character's head and hope to read more from this author soon!
Souls of the Reaper
by Markie Madden
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
book was hard to put down! I enjoyed the first book in the series and
the second one is even better. Though there were many instances of
repetitiveness when it came to Lacey's past, I could overlook it because
of the intriguing story. The characters were well developed and the
pace perfect. A great read!
Something Borrowed
by Kimberly Kincaid
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This
story had me laughing and falling in love with the characters from page
one. I love a book that draws me in so completely in just a few
paragraphs. I definitely recommend this one if you want a short, sexy,
but sweet read.
Undefined
by Sylvie Nathan
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
This
was a nice little story about a girl who realizes that she is a
lesbian. The realization came on rather quickly but was well done.
However, I would have liked the characters fleshed out a bit more so I
could truly relate to their struggles. Overall, an okay read.
Up in Flames
by Shyla Colt
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
sweet, short story with a happy ending. It was enjoyable, but I would
have loved more. A chance to delve more into the character's lives
before the crash would have been great.
Roommate Menage
by Harmonie St. James
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
If you are looking for a short, sexy ride that will leave you hot and
bothered, this is it. An unexpected event finds Chad invited into a
threesome with his roommate and his roommate's hot girlfriend. Is this a
one time deal? Will things be weird afterwards? You have to read to
find out!
Looking Into the Abyss
by Various Authors
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An
interesting collection of varying short stories. Each author brought
their own unique style and I enjoyed discovering a few new authors.
My favorite stories would have to be "The Elephant" and "Bad Cadet".
A great read for a wonderful cause!
That wraps up last month's reads and reviews. Stay tuned for exciting news coming this month and happy reading!
