Tag: Reviews

  • Evelyn Reads Beautiful

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Young adult fantasy Beautiful: A Tale of Beauties and Beasts by independent author Fran Laniado tells the story of a young woman who always felt out of place.

    Beautiful by Fran Laniado
    Beautiful by Fran Laniado

    In need of change, she leaves the fae to venture out into the world where humans roam. Hurt by the words of another, she curses them and immediately takes steps to undo the damage wrought, thus setting the stage for the story.

    Laniado wonderfully weaves in the theme of beauty and uses it to drive the story onwards in a satisfying way. As a reader, you may be left to ask what beauty is if not in the eye of the beholder, and would such views change over time?

    Beautiful is written in a first person perspective, focused on two characters. While centred on the woman, the alternative perspective provides unique insights that further drive forward the tale.

    Ultimately, Beautiful is a quick read with a satisfying ending. It gives the reader a glimpse into the author’s imaginative world, so much so that I look forward to seeing more of her work. Highly recommended!

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  • Evelyn Reads Eyes on the Road

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Eyes on the Road is the first book of The Winding Road series, a coming of age story co-authored by Kerri Davidson and Mark Gelinas. This novel is written from the point of view of two characters, both of whom are seeking an escape from their post high school lives.

    Eyes on the Road by Kerri Davidson and Mark Gelinas
    Eyes on the Road by Kerri Davidson and Mark Gelinas

    This story begins in a small town in Atlantic Canada and ends in the comparative metropolis of Seattle. Setting the story in an era where Grunge and Alternative bands ruled the hearts and minds of Generation X gave this reader an eerie sense of déjà vu.

    Having lived through this time, the authors’ choice of theme and time period felt a bit like a drive down memory lane. Parents of teens from the mid-nineties may gain a new understanding of their children’s mindset. Alternatively, for those born into such a heavily interconnected world, the story dredged up challenges and quirks of an era that is fast fading from our collective memories.

    This is a quick read that gives the reader a unique perspective on two young adults. Their interactions with the world and one another permit them to gain a fresh outlook and come out better for it. The story provides a satisfying ending that leaves enough of an opening to entice you to read further into the series.

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  • Evelyn Reads Alpha Bots

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Alpha Bots is a Science Fiction novel by Ava Lock that mixes action, comedy, and drama to create a story that resonates on many levels.

    Alpha Bots by Ava Lock
    Alpha Bots by Ava Lock

    The story features an android who plays the role of a dutiful housewife. Through a series of unintended events, she breaks free from her programming, and that’s when things get crazy.

    The prose is filled with rich detail, witty puns, and beautifully complex characters that will draw the reader in. Of note, there are frequent references to Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. I see Ava’s work as an homage to Fight Club, using it to add just enough flavour to liven things up.

    If you are looking for a story that challenges you to question the ramifications of technology on society and does so using wit, pseudo code, and cleverly disguised science, then this book will not disappoint. While this novel has a satisfying ending, the sequel, Beta Bots, is out now!

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  • Evelyn Reads What Lies Within

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    The blurb for What Lies Within, from indie author D.W. Harvey, mentions a dark hidden secret, an evil spirit’s curse, and a sole survivor… all of which perfectly set the stage for this story.

    What Lies Within by D.W. Harvey
    What Lies Within by D.W. Harvey

    This story is written from the point of view of the sole survivor as she nears the end of her journey. We are quickly brought up to speed on the character’s motivations, her need to be there, and what she intends to do.

    However, there is plenty of room for discovery, and readers may well be left guessing to the very end. It offers a satisfying ending and leaves you yearning for more, the latter of which is this reader’s only complaint. Sadly, this was little more than a glimpse into a world filled with wonder.

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  • Evelyn Reads Shadow City

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    An iconic city in ruins, a man with  no past, entities from out of humanity’s nightmares… Do I have your attention?

    Shadow City by Anna Mocikat
    Shadow City by Anna Mocikat

    Shadow City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel written by indie author Anna Mocikat. This tale features a rich cast of characters in a world filled with detail and nuance. Told from multiple points of view, the reader will soon realise that even in a world this dark, there is still plenty of grey to go around.

    It begins with a man with no past who is saved by two scavengers. Readers are quickly introduced to a dystopian society held together by an uneasy alliance facing an enemy only known as the Dark Ones. The characters’ fates are complex and intertwined, leaving the reader guessing as to what will happen until the very end.

    If you are looking for a unique take on the struggle of good versus evil, this book is for you. You will be rewarded with a satisfying ending that will have you yearning for more. Fortunately, the sequel, Dark City, is already available! So, what are you waiting for?

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  • Evelyn Reads a Fractured Ben

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Independent author, C.J. Boyle, is known for her works of science fiction. She has taken us to places beyond the moon and has even fiddled with the space time continuum. Her psychological thriller, Fractured Ben, diverges from her better known works and focuses on the human mind.

    Fractured Ben by C.J. Boyle

    The blurb hints at a man tortured by his past: childhood trauma, the sole survivor of a horrific accident, and suffering from memory gaps. It is not difficult to imagine how introducing a love interest into the fray might just be the right mix of fuel and air to set his world ablaze.

    This novel dives into the depths of Ben’s mind. The reader will see the dark recesses of his soul, the light of love, and the scars that torment him throughout the story. Throughout this tale, it is best to consider: while the wounds of our battles fade with time, their toll on our souls will forever leave us stained.

    This book is geared toward adults. Elements such as domestic violence, childhood trauma, and suicide play prominent parts in the story. Those potentially triggered by such themes would be best to set this book aside. For those brave enough to enter this world, Fractured Ben is well worth a read!

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  • Evelyn Reads a Girl Called Ari

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    A Girl Called Ari by independent author P.J. Sky, is a post-apocalyptic tale of two women thrust together by fate.

    A Girl Called Ari by P.J. Sky

    The first is Starla, the daughter of the leader of the last bastion of civilization in the wastes. Lastly, we have Ari, left to fend for herself in the wastes as a child. Two women from radically different backgrounds embark on a journey that is marked by peril and death.

    The story is mostly focused on the points of view of Ari and Starla, giving the reader a hint of their pasts along with thoughts that only the individual character knows. This contrast in point of view work well, allowing the story to unfold at a good clip.

    This book is a quick read filled with bite sized chapters to snack on. Readers will fall in love with Ari and encounter a satisfying ending that leaves plenty of opportunity to develop the world further.

    Coincidentally, Ari Goes to War, the sequel to this tale, is available for preorder.

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  • Evelyn Reads A Cursed Legacy

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    A Cursed Legacy is an urban fantasy novel authored by Kima Blaze. This is the third book from the A Rift in the Veil series and will only make sense to new readers after reading the first two.

    A Cursed Legacy by Kima Blaze

    These books have taken on traits of a television series. Every new book drives the overall story forward and foreshadows new elements that later come into play. However, the story is still focused on the here and now.

    Previously, readers were left hanging due to the Wendigo storyline, and this release successfully passes the baton. The feel from the last book is also maintained inasmuch as the story reflects the chaotic nature of the situation. Lizzie can’t seem to catch a breath, let alone plan, and that rings true given the situation.

    Overall, this is a great read if you’ve invested in the series already. The story has a satisfying conclusion to the most pressing plot lines left open from its predecessor and further sheds light on Blaze‘s grand vision.

    New to the series? I recommend you check out The Curse of a Name.

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  • Evelyn Reads Eve and Adam

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Sara Flower Kjeldsen is the author of Eve and Adam, a literary short story that tells the tale of two people who find each other when they are most in need of a friend. In this case, support and companionship come in the form of a complete stranger.

    Eve and Adam by Sara Flower Kjeldsen

    The narrative is told from both points of view, and Kjeldsen uses this juxtaposition to breathe life into Eve and Adam. As the story develops, this seemingly innocent tale of lovers from different worlds takes on a dark twist and forces them both to face the inevitable.

    Eve and Adam is a quick read that will steal your heart before shocking you to your very core. When reading this tale, it’s best to remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

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  • Evelyn Reads Sarisart

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Sarisart is a science fiction story by independent author C.J. Boyle. It introduces us to Sara Newman, a woman consumed by a dream to establish a colony on the moon. Her entire life to this point had been spent furthering that goal, even if that meant getting away from her controlling father.

    Sarisart by C.J. Boyle

    Her plans are placed on hold when a foiled kidnapping sends her and a group of male mercenaries to an alien planet. That’s when this story takes on a decidedly darker feel, reminiscent of Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

    This tale of survival quickly devolves as their chances for survival dwindle. Sara is forced to adapt to an ever changing situation and environment. Faced with the prospect of never returning home, she stands tall, overcomes adversity, and even risks death for the good of the group.

    Sarisart is a fast paced story that keeps your eyes firmly fixed on the page. While part of a series, this book stands alone and delivers a satisfying ending that you will not see coming.

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