Tag: Reviews

  • Evelyn Reads Essence: Alta

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    I’ve had a chance to read through Essence: Alta, a science fiction story by Nick Braker. This is the sequel to Essence: Septima and starts off moments after the first book finished.

    Essence: Alta by Nick Braker

    Whereas the first book was chaotic due to the conflicts swirling within the main character’s being, this novel shifts its focus on the external threats, while still delivering on a stream of sexual conquests. The story also coalesces key players in order to explore the ramifications of their attempts to out-manoeuvre one another.

    All the while, the main character learns to live with the fusion of two souls. Answers will trickle in on this new reality, giving the reader more insight on the history and world Nick created.

    What we don’t get is a satisfying ending. This story is a bridge to Essence: Septima and sets the scene for Essence: Amber. How everything falls into place will have to wait for the sequel. Mercifully, the book is already available for your reading pleasure.


  • Evelyn Reads Essence: Septima

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Essence: Septima by Nick Braker is the first book in a series about alien contact and abduction. While this book’s trappings are science fiction, it does manage to push into the realm of the fantastical.

    Essence: Septima by Nick Braker

    The story revolves around a young man who is nearly paralyzed by his fears. During an abduction, he is recognized as being someone else, which inexplicably begins his metamorphosis. Readers will witness an individual once afraid of going outside become a general who will lead a people to freedom.

    The characters are nuanced and complex, with a depth that is difficult to fathom at first. The reader quickly becomes aware that there is more than meets the eye. The author appears to use the main character’s many conquests (and failures) as a mechanism to bring details to life.

    Nick writes an action-packed story that will allow the reader to navigate through the murky waters of his world. As the character gains more insight on his own state of change, the reader will gain awareness on what is at stake.

    Since this book is part of a series, readers may feel like much is left unresolved. They are right. Fortunately, the trilogy is complete, and Essence: Alta is just a click away!


  • Evelyn Reads The Moon Hunters

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    The Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle is a post-apocalyptic science fiction. While most books of this genre create hellscapes of the world we live in, this book takes on a unique twist–the first of many in this book.

    The Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle

    I love books that are based on what-if scenarios. In this case, Anya explored how family ties and the need for survival play out over multiple generations. The reader is introduced to a village that has taken several steps back in terms of societal development.

    This brings me to another what-if. How can an author create a strong female lead in a world where women are literally suppressed and repressed? How can an individual, programmed from birth, have any hope of pushing back against their societal expectations?

    Anya weaves these what-ifs, their answers, and more in a beautiful way. The story will draw you in, immerse you in a world that, while different on the surface, mirrors our own in subtle ways. This book also provides the reader with a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this!


  • Evelyn Reads Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    I just finished reading Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire, an adventure/science fiction story written by G.M. Nair. This story revolves around a pair of life-long friends who are about to embark on an adventure. Problem is, they just don’t know it yet.

    Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire by G.M. Nair

    Those who read the blurb before buying will not be disappointed. This story drives through space, time, alternate universes and people to deliver non-stop action that will leave you baffled as to where exactly in this story you are.

    The author’s creativity really shines when it comes to the alternate universes. While the series Sliders may have been limited by sets and budgets, his imagination and ability to set scenes to page knows no bounds!

    If you want a quick read that feels like a roller coaster ride through the weird and wonderful? Then this book is for you! The author closes up all the loops nicely but leaves just enough of a story behind for the promise of a sequel is out now! So what are you waiting for?


  • Evelyn Read’s The Curse of Sight

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    The Curse of Sight by Kima Blaze which is a sequel to her earlier work, Curse of a Name.

    The first book in the series has a very gothic feel. The story is based around a family estate house with a dark past. It challenged the reader to question whether the characters were insane or cursed. Despite this story taking place in modern times, it harkened back to the days of classic horror.

    The Curse of Sight by Kima Blaze
    The Curse of Sight by Kima Blaze

    The sequel takes off exactly where the first book ended. What changes in this book is the uncertainty of the world surrounding the characters. At this point, the reader is well aware of the supernatural, but has only dipped their toes in Kima Blaze‘s world.

    This book dives into the author’s expanded universe, bringing more depth to established elements such as witches and shamans which had been only touched on previously. The ghosts tethered to Elizabeth are also back, giving more life to these haunted souls who died tragic deaths.

    This is a story worth reading, especially if you liked the first in the series. You’ll get to see more of this world as well as hints of what is to come. The characters feel real and human, and their choices will lead to unexpected consequences.

    This tale, however, does not have a satisfying ending like its predecessor did. To find out what happens, you’ll need to wait for the third book in the series. I can’t wait!


  • Evelyn Reads the Adventures of Kirk Rogers – Inside the Moon

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    There are times when you need to challenge your mind: perhaps a whodunit that keeps you in the dark until the last page or a character driven drama that leaves the reader teary eyed. The Adventures of Kirk Rogers – Inside the Moon by C.J. Boyle is not one of those books and will instead delight the reader and bring a smile to one’s face.

    The Adventures of Kirk Rogers – Inside the Moon by C.J. Boyle
    The Adventures of Kirk Rogers – Inside the Moon by C.J. Boyle

    This story was reminiscent of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. It is a light hearted read mixed with colourful characters, easter eggs, and geek humour that is sure to tickle your funny bone. True to form, this science fiction saga would play well as a radio show, television series, or even a movie… minus the sexy aspects, of course.

    While the first in a series, The Adventures of Kirk Rogers – Inside the Moon has a satisfying ending that includes  a hint of what is to come. This quick read will draw you in, immerse you into the author’s beautifully weaved world, and will leave you begging for more. Fortunately, there are two more books left in the series with a fourth on the way!


  • Evelyn Reads The Inevitable Fate of E & J

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Love has often been portrayed as a powerful force, capable of creating unimaginable beauty, or able to change the course of history itself. When dealing with such power, one may wonder if love could even transcend death. Could a pair of starstruck lovers be reunited in another life? What about the mechanics? Would there be strings attached? The Inevitable Fate of E & J by Johanna L. Randle aims to address these questions.

    Inevitable Fate of E & J by Johanna L. Randle

    This book is presented in first person form and is focused on two teenaged characters. There is a complex history between the two, nuanced by a tragedy that occurred outside of their control and a friendship that appeared to be destined to be unbreakable. Neither character is perfect. They are forced to deal with their insecurities, their place in the social strata, and the tempest of emotions many experience while going through high school. It is these flaws that make the characters seem… so human… so real.

    This book is a quick read, with chapters that split the story into bite-sized pieces for those of us who cannot dedicate large blocks of time to reading. Changes in point of view are clearly indicated at the start of a chapter enabling a reader to follow along with ease. There is also an historical component to this story which is woven beautifully into the chapters themselves in the form of dreams, flashbacks, and hallucinations.

    Johanna has done a beautiful job of bringing this story to life. This character driven tale is sure to please, and will leave you yearning for more as you wait for the next book of the series!


  • Evelyn Reads Werewolf Nights

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    Mari Hamill brings to life a unique world where werewolves and hunters are ingrained into the fabric of the culture. In Werewolf Nights, not only is there a fresh take on werewolf lore, but the town, stores and even the local university pay homage to their namesakes.

    Werewolf Nights by Mari Hamill

    The story starts off with an apparently innocuous outing. Catherine Mercy, a femme fatale who had to deal with the disappearances of the only two men she ever loved, goes out on a date. So what could possibly go wrong? In a place where everyone knows your name and rumours travel faster than light, the opportunity for mischief rises exponentially!

    While the cast is varied, the story is mostly focused on the main character, Catherine Mercy. Her tragic past, kind nature, creativity, and ultimately, her ability to face challenges head-on endear the reader. I would devour more stories from this author simply to watch Catherine in action!

    Werewolf Nights is a fast-paced, light read that flawlessly combines fantasy, action and romance into one comprehensive tale. If you are hunting for a story that has the feel of a telenovela with a hint of Dark Shadows, with werewolves instead of vampires, then this book is for you!


  • Evelyn Reads Timepiece

    Barbara Avon has a penchant for historical settings and makes use of era-specific nuances to add some spice to her worlds. Timepiece is no exception, introducing a clever plot device in the form of a faustian purchase that keeps perfect time… at least when one is not leaping through it.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.
    Timepiece by Barbara Avon

    Timepiece is foremost a character-driven love story, and the author shows her talent by rendering multiple iconic time periods for her characters to interact with. The slang, clothing, and mannerisms all change to accommodate the era and give every period an authentic feel. It is an aspect of this story that I enjoyed.

    Of note, there are Easter eggs for those who have read Barbara‘s previous works. Alas, any mention of Clara or The Grand in this work of fiction is purely coincidental!

    I thoroughly loved this story and it comes highly recommended. Barbara has a wonderfully descriptive writing style that suits the stories she weaves. The ending fits in perfectly with the overall theme of the book and eluded me until the very end.

    Timepiece reminded me of a dramatic film and was well-worth the price of admission!


  • Evelyn Reads Vienna Blood

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    Lately, I’ve not had much time for any light reading. So when my eyes fell upon the cover of Vienna Blood by K.C. Bloom, an erotica that features both lesbians and vampires, I found a reason to indulge.

    Vienna Blood by K.C. Bloom

    I read The Taste of her Blood, the first book of the series, earlier this year and found it to be a delightful read. It reminded me of a dark fairytale that featured a bit of erotic heat to sell it.

    Vienna Blood has a different feel to it, because the innocence expected of a fairytale’s main character slipped away with the first novel. Instead, the author changed the setting to a prominent European city filled with women and court intrigue. The characters adapt well to this new environment and are soon involved in a situation that is outside of their control. What happens next is exactly why this book is a must read.

    K.C. Bloom is a wonderful storyteller, one who easily weaves action, intrigue and lust into a story that leaves you yearning for more. How fortunate for me, that there is a third book from the same vein that is calling out to me.


Search