Tag Archives: sci-fi

Veronica Phoenix & Search for the Phoenix by Jim Proctor (2 Book Reviews)

 

Carl Wilkins, a successful man with a thriving business, loses everything and has to start over from scratch. His dogged determination quickly deteriorates when he finds that even his reputation is gone. With barely enough money to buy a cheap bottle of booze, and no prospects for employment, things look bleak until he receives an unusual job offer from a stranger who turns up just as Carl hits rock bottom. The perilous space salvage job is more than just a chance to rebuild his broken life. It is also a chance to strike back at SACOM, the people who ruined him. Carl, the best space salvage operator in the star system, bets his life that he can complete the job. Setting out in the Phoenix, a specially modified space freighter, Carl begins a dangerous mission to find and collect missing cargo pods from the dense asteroid belt. Struggling to remain alive in the belt while avoiding detection by SACOM ships, Carl learns that he may have as much to fear from the people who hired him as he does from SACOM. His chance to rebuild his life turns into a desperate race across the galaxy in hopes of finding a safe haven where no one will ever find him.

 
US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 
UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you enjoy books regarding space travel such as Firefly, then I think you’ve just found your next read. 
Veronica Phoenix will definitely please any bookworm who favors the sci-fi genre. 
There were bots, AI with holographic breasts, battle scenes, crashes, and much more. 
Interested yet?
Yeah, I bet I had you at holographic breasts. 🙂 JK
Speaking of Veronica/Billy (AI), five minutes alone with the AI and I’d be one bald momma due to pulling out all my lovely locks. After reading all their conversations, I can see why Carl found the AI infuriating to speak with. Its favorite word had to be “cannot”. 

After months alone together a ship, I’m surprised he didn’t go batshit crazy. 

Hell, I would’ve been one cranky chick over the food I had to consume. If you call goop in a squeeze tube food. Ok, I can get behind yogurt, applesauce, or pudding in a squeeze pouch but steak and eggs? That’s where I draw the line!! 

Before I wrap this up, I want to touch base on an edit related error. On page 57, in my print copy (supplied to me by Jim), John and Earl die first leaving Vince and Becca knocking on death’s door. Flip to page 59, Becca dies and Earl dies again. A minor editing oversight by Jim and his editor (Cynthia Shepp) but one I felt the need to mention to HIM and to YOU. 

FYI: He said he was going make the necessary changes so by the time you read this review it’ll be changed in the latest print editions and for your e-readers. Only those who’ve already purchased an old copy (prior to March 2016) will be affected with the wrong name usage. 

Besides that one hiccup, every detail seemed on point and, to that, I say good job Jim and Cynthia. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 

UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT

 
 
 

Fighting to remain one step ahead of SACOM, Nolan Peters and Megan Carson investigate the mysterious disappearance of their friend, Carl Wilkins. During the investigation, Nolan struggles with his growing affection for Megan, while she tries to cope with the recent death of her husband. Will the strain bring them together, or drive them apart?
When the pair uncovers evidence of a treasonous conspiracy that threatens the stability of all human worlds across the galaxy, they reluctantly put their trust in a SACOM investigator and a hard-nosed Army general to root out the conspirators. Will their trust prove to be their undoing… or prevent a galactic-scale military coup?

 

GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 

 

 
Anyone who loves or even likes science fiction books/movies a teeny wee bit will absolutely find pleasure in Search for the Phoenix. It made me long to kick back on the couch, with a huge bowl of popcorn, and binge watch my favorite scifi shows. It also made me wish food synthesizers weren’t only found in the land of make-believe. So inventors, hop to it and contact me to be your guinea pig because I’d happily put this invention to the test. 🙂
 
Besides this wicked cool product idea, I enjoyed the level of conspiracy, double-cross happenings and the chemistry between the various characters. 
 
One of my favorite interactions of the book didn’t happen between humans though. Strangely enough, it occurred between Nolan and the rats. When he shrieked, ran, and smacked his head against a large, water pipe, I laughed because I would’ve reacted the same way. Heck, ain’t no shame in showing fear or running away from a rodent. Those pests are scary! 

 

Now for the conspiracy, double-crossing aspects of the story, which made up a great portion of this creation, I’m going to quote Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith and say, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 
 
 
I worked for decades as an engineer and laboratory scientist
while my wife and I raised our four children. I had wanted to write since high
school, and in early 2008 I began writing my first novel, publishing it in July
of 2012. I published my second novel later that same year.
 
In 2013, after realizing neither of my novels was of
publication quality, I unpublished them and spent several months re-evaluating
my priorities. I returned to writing later that year committed to making sure
each new book was as good as I could make it at the time, and determined to
improving my writing skills with each new book published.
 
Having finally found my found my writing voice, Veronica
Phoenix flowed to the page, as did its sequel, Search for the Phoenix. I am currently considering story ideas for my next novel.
 
 
 

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Lethal Tide by CJ Matthew (Book Review) (CONTEST INCLUDED)

 

 

Dolphin shifter Conley Nash began his second three-year mission armed with a kick-ass agenda and an attitude to match. Since their team leader was killed, the men in SBW field ops have lost their nerve. Determined to restore the hard line, Conley can’t wait to show them how it’s done, facing down a greedy oil company in Long Beach. Until Conley meets his new partner…and finds his powers of persuasion need work.

First-time shifter Betty Brett can’t believe she finally made it into the male-centric field ops team. Since the first female agent was murdered, before Betty goes solo, she’ll spend four months teamed with an experienced operative. But did it have to be Conley? No matter how temptingly handsome he is, Betty refuses to take grief from a trigger-happy male and certainly not one whose knuckles drag the ground.

When the oil company resorts to violence protecting its illegal fracking operation, Conley finds himself out-gunned. Either he and Betty compromise, fast, or they’ll be dead before they can unravel the perplexing feelings they have for each other.

—–> Kindle Purchase Link <—–
 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Dolphins are not the most popular shifters out there in the literary world, but CJ has once again constructed a story which is more memorable than most shifters stories I’ve read to date. 
 
The SBW missions do center around hazards to our water sources, a topic not so thrilling, but CJ has made the journey to the final showdown far from boring. 
 
It’s mostly due to the great cast of characters and their interactions with each other. 
 
A) River: the comedian. He had me in stitches in the scene with the cracked ribs.  I know you’ll be laughing when you read it, too. 
 
B) Seth: curious little neighbor boy and honorary “agent”. He earned his title because without his countless assists, they would’ve been up shit creek without a paddle. 
 
C) Conley: Alpha dolphin/shifter who learned the value of teamwork. Yup, there’s no I in TEAM.
 
D) Betty and Marina: two hot geekettes who proved guns weren’t always the best weapon of choice. Nope, sometimes it’s best to let your brain fight your battles for you. 
 
There are many more characters but I’ll stop there. 
 
Memorable moments:
 
1.) Chapter 14 – sex in the shower: Sex in the ocean as dolphins. Sex in the shower as humans. Makes no difference to dolphin shifters. Water is sensual whether on or off dry land. Am I right? 😉
2.) Chapter 21: River went to Taco Bell where the lovely Kam was his server. This section absolutely, positively made my day. <3
 
I could keep going on about what I liked about Lethal Tide, or I could just end my review with 3 simple words……

Buy Lethal Tide!! 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
—–> Kindle Purchase Link <—–
 
 
 
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at CJ Matthew’s hot new book, Lethal Tide (LT), WHO IS READY TO WIN?
Ladies and Gents, CJ is offering ONE LUCKY WINNER a stupendous prize package. 
In it, the winner will receive the following items: One SBW tall metal water bottle, a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of Lethal Tide, a LT book mark, a fancy LT keychain, plus trinkets: which are little plastic dolphin key chains, temp. dolphin tattoo, dolphin stickers. 
 
 
 

And guess what? This amazing contest is open to anyone; no matter where you call home!! 

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. 

So if you like paranormal tales (shifter books), then I encourage you to ENTER TODAY. 

You’ll have until WEDNESDAY (midnight, central time) to enter. THURSDAY morning, I will post the winner’s name and attempt to message you. Please follow the comment thread or come back on Thursday to see if you are the lucky recipient of this amazing prize package. 
Good luck!!!
 

CJ Matthew is the author of paranormal romance suspense series Dolphin Shore Shifters. Her debut novel, Blood Tide, features a pod of dolphins posing as humans that work through their oceanic conservation corporation Save Blue Water, based in Santa Barbara, California, to protect the oceans at any cost.


CJ grew up in an Air Force family that travelled all over the U.S. and around the world. She spent her high school and university years living in California, which inspired her love of marine life and the Pacific Ocean.

A member of Georgia Romance Writers (GRW) Romance Writers of America, CJ lives and writes near a lake in the woods northeast of Atlanta. When she isn’t writing or reading romances, CJ likes to travel and to spend time with her two grown children, a brilliant grandson and a feisty cat named Max.

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Chasing Rabbits by Erin Bedford (Book Review)

Alice was wrong – Wonderland wasn’t so wonderful after all. 
 

Kat never expected to be back in her hometown, but when house sitting turns into a mad rabbit chase, Kat finds herself with a whole new set of problems.
A two headed bird with a Game of Thrones obsession, a party full of tea addicts, and a Cheshire Cat who could seduce the pants off her grandma? And if the citizens weren’t bad enough their prince was off his rocker.

This wasn’t your run of the mill Wonderland. This was the Fae world, where rules are rules, and some things are exactly as they seem.

 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, you’ll encounter many unique beings in Chasing Rabbits. Example: two-headed birds, a talking wall, and a brownie. You also see some familiar names in Underworld but, trust me folks, these characters are NOT as how you remember them. 
 
Case in point: Caterpillar is a woman who seems to fancy both genders. Cheshire Cat reminded me of Dave Navarro (Ink Master and musician) but with a tail, and Trip (the sort of rabbit) spoke like Sméagol from the Lord of the Rings series. 
 
Chasing Rabbits sounds pretty damn interesting, huh?
 
How about if I say this all takes place in the world of Fae?
 
If you are familiar with them, you know their allure and the trouble interacting with them can cause.
 
Yeah, I think some interests have certainly been peaked. 
 
Oh, one final character worth mentioning —- Alice. She’s also featured in Chasing Rabbits but her role has been altered greatly. I always thought she was a snotty twit in Carroll’s tales but in Chasing Rabbits I found her to be ….. the same. 🙂 


Me and her, without a doubt, wouldn’t be bosom buddies. Heck, no one seems to be particular fond of her in Underworld. 
 
Wonder why? Then buy the book and gather your own opinion of her and this tale. 
 
Happy Reading!! 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
 
    KINDLE LINK 



 

Erin Bedford is a new fantasy romance author, a computer programmer by day, and a hobby hoarder. She enjoys playing RPG games alongside her husband as well as inventing nonsensical games for her daughter’s amusement. Erin lives in the Omaha Nebraska Region and dreams of one day moving where the word snow is nonexistent. Creating fantastical worlds has always been a secret passion of hers and she couldn’t imagine writing any story without some kind of lovey-dovey or smexy goodness in it.

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Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words by Valerie Ryan (Book Review)

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Syntyche is a fifteen year old girl who lives in a world struggling to survive the aftermath of religious wars and a growing controlling government. Her unique abilities to see guardian angels has left her feeling like an outcast but little does she know that her gifts will soon expand with a blessing from the archangel Barachiel. She discovers that she is part of an old prophecy that must bring together angels, sins and virtues to close the gates of Hell – all seven of them. In order to do this they must defeat each demon that guards the doors.

There are many dangers in her future but Syntyche knows she will survive to see the day when a great prophet can preach without the fears of evil getting in the way. With the help of a griffin, phoenix and dragon what could possibly go wrong?

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
Let me start off this review by stating Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words is 500+ pages long so if you’re looking for a fast read, this isn’t the book for you. Also, if you are seeking out a story that doesn’t require you to really pay close attention to details, again you might want to pass on this. 
 
Seven of I: The Keeper of the Words had so much going on, so much information to absorb, that I was tempted to take notes. I’m sure readers will be wishing for a cliff note version. 


Between comprehending the prophecy, the various angels (the hierarchy of the angels), and the creatures that arise…… Not going to lie, it’s a lot to retain. Good thing I have a mighty good memory. 🙂
 
On the positive, Valerie imagination knew no bounds. Her visions, descriptions of the angels and beasts were very detailed and creative. Ex. dog-aroo: big black hair mutant kangaroo dog on steroids.  See what I mean? Inventive.
 
On a final note, this book did not end with the final page. Yup, you’ll have to wait for part 2 to see what happens next. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤1/2
 
Purchase Links
 
 
 
Valerie lived most of her life in Indiana and considers herself a Hoosier at heart, however, she now lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida with her husband and two beautiful children. She has always worked with animals and has been a groomer, veterinary technician and dog trainer. She loves to write and cannot think of a time when she wasn’t thinking of a story to share.

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Wayward Soul by Glenn Maynard (Book Showcase)

 
While visiting a psychic, Carter Spence and Brenda Raycroft’s reading turns tragic. The psychic touches them, suffers convulsions, and frantically runs into the street into oncoming traffic. Their fate is sealed in a coma and they must use any means possible to reach the psychic in the spirit world as they dodge deadly complications in an attempt for answers. They pursue the psychic’s message before she can die and take the answers they need with her. When the spirit of the previous homeowner returns, this haunting soul begins tampering with the comatose psychic. The sequel to Desert Son takes place four years after Carter and Brenda discover they are a couple reunited beyond the grave. The spirit world becomes intertwined with their own as they attempt to tap into these secrets to uncover disturbing truths about their fate in this paranormal roller coaster that will shake your soul.

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“How about you…Wendy?” Brenda asked. “I bet you have your hands tied with twin boys.”

Wendy made a whistling sound, tilting her head forward so her hair flopped out of her bun and hung where her face had been. She then flipped her head back until her face returned, and her eyes grew in size. “Let’s just say it’s a full time job.” Wendy looked down at the boys who were just sitting and giggling quietly in their chairs as they played patty cake, unaware that the conversation was now on to them. “It was an extremely difficult birth.” She glanced over to the twins again as she said this.

“She almost didn’t make it,” Carl broke in.

“I made it, though,” Wendy replied. She looked over at the boys again. “They are identical twins,” she continued, “if you couldn’t tell. Billy and Willy. The only way that we can tell them apart is that Billy has a bottom tooth that is slightly crooked.”

“They’re twins and you named them Billy and Willy?” Carter asked. Brenda then shot him a look. His follow up question earned him an elbow to the ribs. “Isn’t that the same name?”

“No,” said Carl. “One is Billy and the other is Willy.”

“Yeah, but they’re both a nickname for William,” Carter said.

Brenda’s look evolved into a laser. She could not believe Carter was having this conversation, but he just wanted to know the reason they named their twins virtually the same thing.
“We don’t look at it like that,” said Wendy. We look at it like Billy and Willy are two different names, and you’re actually the only one to challenge us on it.” She laughed a short laugh.

“Those names are adorable,” Brenda said. “Just look at them playing Patty Cake. Carter watched them interacting, then said, “Hi Billy and Willy!” The clock in the room seemed to stop. Billy and Willy still had their hands connected, but they both turned to look at the man who just called out their names. Carter looked around at the others at the table, but all eyes were on Billy and Willy.

He wasn’t even getting a smile out of the twins. They appeared to be sizing Carter up. They were staring right into his eyes without so much as a blink. Carter noticed that everything about them was the same; everything, including their blue eyes and blonde hair, right down to the bowl-cut trim. Head shape: check. Eye shape: check. Body size and shape: check and check. Personality: check.

Nothing was different. Carter was a bit taken aback, and smiled out of nervousness. Finally the tension of the room dissipated when the twins smiled back at Carter. Their wide grins were cute, but they also revealed identical smiles. Missing was the identifying bottom tooth. Carter could not find one difference between the two.

 

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Glenn Maynard has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Connecticut, and a degree in Communications. After spending 4 years living in Denver, Colorado, he returned home to Connecticut and now resides in Wethersfield. He has a 14 year-old son named Andrew. He was a travel correspondent for three newspapers while traveling through the United States, Canada and Mexico during his one-year journey. He had a total of twenty newspaper articles published. His story was captured on the evening newscast upon his return.


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