"Writing on the Wall" by Tracey Ward (5 Stars)

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Writing on the Wall

Book #1, Survival Series

by Tracey Ward

Genre: Dystopian/Zombies!/YA Romance

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I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and I am delighted to be able to give Writing on the Wall 5 stars. And on Thanksgiving, no less!

Joss has been on her own for 6 years. She's watched everyone she ever cared about die tragically in a world decimated by an outbreak that turned human beings into actual zombies. She's done pretty good for herself, living by a survivor's code that has kept her alive - including not getting attached, not hooking up with other survivors, and not helping people in need.

Until Ryan.

Everything is upside down, all because of him. Her hard shell is cracking and she's in more danger than she's ever been before. From wolves, from gangs, from the Colonies. The zombies were the least of these worries until one of the Colonies falls. Now they're everywhere again and Joss has made herself vulnerable by writing on a wall to a boy she shouldn't care about and that's when it happens.

...I'm not going to tell you what happens, you're going to have to read it for yourself and have a blast doing it! Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down!!

Check it out at Goodreads and then get your own at amazon.

"Rogue Hunter: Dark Space" by Kevis Hendrickson (5 Stars)

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Rogue Hunter: Dark Space

Book #2, Rogue Hunter Series

by Kevis Hendrickson

Genre: Sci-fi/Urban Fantasy in Space!

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I also read and reviewed the first book in this series, Inquest, which you can find HERE.

We join our favorite deep space bounty hunter, Zyra Zanr, soon after the events in the first book, Inquest. In an ironic twist, she's been captured by a team of bounty hunters who want to turn her in for a hefty profit with not a care for the inevitable outcome Zyra will face- certain gruesome death. But it's not going to be easy turning this mark in. Especially after a violent beat-down that will seal the fate of every man and woman on board the dilapidated ship, Lilith.

This adventure takes place entirely in space. It's a tale of revenge and therefore is much darker and nastier than the first book as we get a look at the kind of experiences that Zyra faces and how she struggles to survive. You'll get to see how each decision, past and present, has a consequence and how every choice changes her.

You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, I think, but it will help to get an understanding of some of the references that lead up to Zyra's capture (and the intense hatred by one of her captors).

I would highly recommend this book to lovers of sci-fi, urban fantasy, and overall readers of a dark, well-written novel.

Want to know more? Check it out on Goodreads and then scoop up your own copy at amazon. Like music with your read? Try out this soundtrack specifically created for Rogue Hunter: Inquest - Details at the author's website. (I have the soundtrack and it's a-mazing! I gave the soundtrack 5 stars at amazon - see it HERE.)

"TATS" by James S. Hoch (3 Stars)

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TATS

by James S. Hoch

Genre: Horror

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Ye Olde Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Dr. Burk Franks is a dermatologist with a big problem. He tried to help the wrong person.

Her name is Riley and she got a bad tattoo. A really bad tattoo. She's desperate for Burk to remove the mistake, but it's not the design she's willing to carve out of her own flesh, it's the ink used to do it.

So begins a harrowing dive into the unknown. Street kids, gang bangers and unfortunate victims become the guinea pigs for human trials of a chemical agent that turns the recipients into giggling, murderous psychotics with the ability to infiltrate the minds of others, often with catastrophic, head exploding results.

The purpose? Weaponization, of course!

My copy of "TATS" has some formatting errors and a couple of instances of wrong names used, and at times it felt like some of the personalities didn't have distinct voices. I also got to wondering if the author loves Aliens as much as I do, because I caught no less than 2 phrases Bill Paxton made famous in that movie, hmmmm.

You'll find lots of cursing (which doesn't bother me any and I felt fit the atmosphere- I only mention because the author kindly warned me so I will extend his thoughtful gesture to you, the buyer/reader), decapitation (what's a little beheading among friends?), super strong and super psycho teens (and a really nasty cockfighter named Razor), ineffective peace keepers, and a whole lot of erotic tattoo rubbing.

The concept of this story is definitely not something I have seen before and I look forward to reading more of what this author has to offer. So saddle up, but stay away from the 'special sauce'. ;)

Would you like to learn more? Check out "Tats" at Goodreads and then get a copy of your own at amazon.com.

"Faust 2.0" by Michael Brookes (5 Stars)

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Faust 2.0

Morton & Mitchell #1

by Michael Brookes

Genre: Horror

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and here it is. This book was brilliant. Ok, ok, so sure, I may not have understood half the technical jargon used but it sounded plausible to the point where I had little trouble believing that the damage caused could really happen. That was enough for me.

In Faust 2.0, an intelligence (I won't say what) is wielding the internet like a claymore and no one is safe! You can't hide from technology. It's everywhere, everyone uses it and this intelligence is manipulating people and circumstances, fabricating lies and instigating acts of terror, all through internet connectivity. And of course, by preying on the greed and pain of human beings.

It has a plan. The selections have been made. It is granting desires in exchange for a favor. A favor within the power of the individual to grant, to be named at a later date...

Michael Brookes has done an excellent job with this book, laying bare the weaknesses of the people involved in this story. We see vulnerability, fear, sacrifice and sin; and we see how easily we can be destroyed, with just a few key strokes and the will to do it.

That's pretty scary if you ask me.

If you'd like to learn more, check out "Faust 2.0" at goodreads or the author's website, and then you can buy your own copy at amazon!

"The Strong Brain" by Nathan Yocum (4 Stars)

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The Strong Brain

by Nathan Yocum

Genre: Horror

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I received a copy of "The Strong Brain" for review and I was at first drawn in by the cover art, which looks like a dime store comic. Very cool approach. Next, I was engrossed in the stirring imagery the author painted on every page, not always an easy task when so much of what's going on is happening in the minds of the characters.

Simon Craig is drinking himself to death; he has a mind that shuts out nothing. His world is a nightmare of drug abuse, psych wards, and alcoholism - not great when you're also passing as a private detective. But when he takes a case that is more than he thought it was, things quickly spiral out of his control altogether.

Enter Damsel. She's an assassin but not by her choosing. She's a puppet with no memories of her past before she became so, and her life is a violent, psychotic episode. When she's not on a mission of death dealing, she's trapped in a mental prison of torture and abuse.

When these two unfortunate souls come together, they find themselves on the run from Damsel's puppeteer. A man with a mind unlike anything Simon has experienced before.

Want to learn more? Check it out at Goodreads and then pick up your own copy at amazon today!

"Pallitine Rising" by Roderick Davidson (4 Stars)

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Pallitine Rising

Book #1, Pallitine's Path
by Roderick Davidson

Genre: Fantasy

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and I really love the cover art, first of all! Very striking.

The book begins with an encounter, a fight for life between four Pallitines (an Order of noble Knights) and a fire-spitting wyrm, where the outcome figures greatly later on. Then next we meet Taryn, a girl living at the bottom of the barrel in the worst part of the city until she flees and runs into a Pallitine who will offer her the chance to become so much more.

Sometimes the story jumps ahead in weeks or years, which I can appreciate though it can be a little jarring, as Taryn learns how to become a Pallitine. Trust is hard for her to give and she must suffer through injury and betrayal on her journey to becoming vetted, with intrigue and loss close to hand.

Roderick Davidson did a fantastic job keeping my attention, which isn't easy for me when it comes to fantasy books these days, and I am greatly looking forward to more from him in the future!

Find it on Goodreads and then buy your copy on amazon today!

"A Note Below" by Andrew Butcher (4 Stars)

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A Note Below

A Lansin Island Short Story

by Andrew Butcher

Genre: Paranormal Mystery

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I received a copy of this short story along with the first two books in the series, A Death Displaced and A Body Displaced.

This was a good old fashioned ghost story set in the Lansin Island 'verse, about a family man whose life takes a strange turn when his dog starts hiding at the top of their lighthouse home. Readers of the series will get to visit with an 'old' friend, who may or not be able to help skeptic Gavin Locke.

The ending was sweet and sad and I can't tell you more than that - you'll have to get your own copy! =D

You can find out more at Goodreads, or just pick it up for yourself at Amazon. It's FREE!

"H.E.L.L. Nicole's Odyssey" by Philip A. McClimon (5 Stars)

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Nicole's Odyssey

A Journey Through the Zombie Apocalypse

The H.E.L.L. Series

(Human Extinction Level Loss)

by Philip A. McClimon

Genre: Zombies!

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The author gave me a free copy of this book and I had to review it, it just deserves it! I had read for review the novella "H.E.L.L. The Last Stand of Gary Sykes" and was thrilled with the story and the dialogue, a humorous horror about a skinny nerd working in a power station who just happens to be at work when the zombies hit the world. Though written after "Nicole's Odyssey", "Gary Sykes" is the prequel but does not have to be read first in order to love Nicole and her Journey through the Apocalypse.

Nicole has a poor relationship with her father, if you can call it even that, but since zombies have pretty much ruined everything, she decides to take a road trip to find him. As with all things zombie, things are never easy and Nicole thinks she might be hallucinating when she raids a Home Improvement Center and finds a clerk at the register. But she's not. It's just Sam, and Sam has a bug problem...

With a beautiful, updated cover and a sequel on the way, you just have to read Nicole's Odyssey. I don't think you will regret it.

Pick up your own copy at amazon and then check out the author's blog.

"An Odd Quartet" by Michael Brookes (5 Stars)

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An Odd Quartet

by Michael Brookes

Genre: Horror

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I received a copy of this book of 4 short stories in exchange for my honest review and because they are brief, I won't give away much, but I will say that most of them are different ideas than I have seen before and I really liked that, but my favorite story among this collection is titled "Forced Entry".

One of my all-time favorite movies is Aliens, my favorite scene where the marines are making their way towards the colony of red life signs and you hear their chatter over the comms. This story was all dialogue and you'd think that wouldn't work, but oh it did, it really did! I want the author to write a full-length novel based on this idea. I want him to expand this short, or develop an entirely new story, but I want lots of dialogue, lots of fear, and I want it soon. Please? =D

"Forced Entry" alone gets my 5 stars but the collection as a whole is a great taste of what Michael Brookes can do.

Want to learn more? Find it on Goodreads.com and then pick up your own copy at amazon today!

"The Cult of Me" by Michael Brookes (4 Stars)

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The Cult of Me
Book #1, The Third Path Trilogy

by Michael Brookes

Genre: Paranormal Horror/Psychological Thriller

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and wow, this book was seriously disturbing! If you're a fan of reading about messed up minds, this one is for you!

Author Michael Brookes takes us for a ride through the eyes of a killer, but not just any killer. Willfully imprisoned, this murderer is planning a last stand, a way to go out big and sensational. He has a plan and a metaphysical way of seeing it through. Only, he didn't bank on having any opposition he couldn't overcome with the powers of his unusual mind.

 There is more in store for the prisoner than he ever imagined. Will he accept an unbelievable offer or laugh at it and let the world come crashing down? It's hard to predict when you are following a lead character you can't relate to and aren't exactly rooting for, but it kept you reading because you just have to see what happens next.

"The Cult of Me" was definitely different and executed with skill, though one more edit would have been great to get rid of some of those lingering words and ill-placed or forgotten commas, just to give it a better flow. Regardless, you won't find another book like it, I think, and you certainly won't be expecting the ending! At least, I didn't.

Want to know more? Find this book on Goodreads and then go to Amazon to get a copy of your own!

What's Next in Reviews? Coming Up!

I thought I'd drop a line to let readers and authors know what books I currently have on my plate for reviews! Coming up this month, are the following titles (in no particular order - when I read them, I try to go by who delivered their book to me first! If multiple titles are given, I may put aside a second in favor of another on my list so I can evenly spread the love around =D):

"The Cult of Me" by Michael Brookes
"Faust 2.0" by Michael Brookes
"An Odd Quartet" by Michael Brookes
"Pallitine Rising" by Roderick Davidson
"The Strong Brain" by Nathan L. Yocum
"Writing on the Wall" by Tracey Ward
"Rogue Hunter: Dark Space" (Book 2 of the Rogue Hunter Series) by Kevis Hendrickson
"Ark" by Mark Dunstan
"A Note Below" (A Lansin Island short) by Andrew Butcher
"Tats" by James S. Hoch
 "H.E.L.L. Nicole's Odyssey" by Philip A. McClimon


If you have a book you'd like me to review, I'd be happy to do it - if you don't mind that it may not happen until the end of the month, or the beginning of December. =)

Want to know what I'm reading for review (or just plain reading!), you can befriend me on Goodreads!

Happy Reading!

"Tent City" by Kelly Van Hull (5 Stars)

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Tent City

Book #1, Tent City series

by Kelly Van Hull

Genre: YA/Post Apocalyptic/Dystopia

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I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and I was so hooked, I finished it in one night! I just could not put it down! I don't usually like present tense but this was so well done and the characters were alive and believable. I even cried a few times.

We follow Dani, a 17 year old girl who has survived a plague, lost her brother and now has to go on the run. Worse, she has to take her 5 year old little brother with her. Luckily, her best friend is willing to accompany, and we all know best friends make everything better!

The trio don't get to their destination without a couple of mishaps, meeting a stranger in the right place at the right time, and when they do finally make it to their destination, they couldn't be more surprised. Or suspicious.

Things aren't what they seem in this book and you'll be itching for the next in the series, as Dani and friends must find and save one of their own.

If you'd like to learn more, check out "Tent City" at goodreads and then head over to amazon to pick up a copy for yourself! I think you'll enjoy it. =)

"Rogue Hunter: Inquest" by Kevis Hendrickson (5 Stars)

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Rogue Hunter: Inquest

Book #1, Rogue Hunter series

by Kevis Hendrickson

Genre: Sci-fi/Space Opera

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I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and it must be said before I even get started... Super awesome cover!

Kevis Hendrickson delivered an A+ book in a genre that doesn't seem to get a lot of love compared to some of the others. I haven't read a really good science fiction book in awhile and this one mixes in a little romance with an almost urban fantasy heroine feel to it.

The book features bounty hunter Zyra Zanr, a woman in conflict and looking for a way out. Unfortunately, her choices have landed her in some serious hot water and she's on trial for freeing a prisoner she knows only too well. We stay with her while she makes her case, jumping back in time to see how it all went wrong, learning about Zyra and what drives her until you're rooting for her til the end!

Rogue Hunter: Inquest is a re-telling of the author's previous Rogue Hunter books, introducing you to a younger Zyra Zanr. You don't have to have any previous knowledge of this series to understand or enjoy this re-imagining, so climb aboard and prepare for a trip!

Want to learn more about this book? Find it HERE on goodreads and then pick up your own copy at amazon! I hear there's even a soundtrack available for purchase to go along with the book... hmm...

"Red Dust: The Fall" by Ben Dixon and Sam Campbell (3 Stars)

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Red Dust: The Fall

Red Dust Omnibus

by Ben Dixon and Sam Campbell

Genre: Zombie Western

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I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review, so here it is!

"Red Dust: The Fall" contains three short stories set in the 19th century wild west America. There is a plague a-foot and we start the journey with Masterson, a mountain man searching for a missing party of settlers lost during the long winter months. Masterson is able to locate an abandoned journal in the snowy mountains, a diary of events written by a member of the group he is trying to find.

Next, we follow a mysterious loner named Griffin, as he rides into a dusty town where there are two factions at war, and one of them is herding zombies for his own personal revenge.

In the third story, we saddle up with a Pony Express rider on a mission he will stop at nothing to complete. This story was the best in my opinion, but it also was the choppiest. Each encounter was short and to the point and I feel would have been better served as a full-length novel, or a novella at the least, allowing each scenario far more time for fleshing out. The concept was awesome and deserves a showcase. I'd love to see the authors expand on this idea and tell Isaac's story fully.

Collectively, there were quite a few errors that would benefit from another edit but the ideas, concepts, and overall story-telling were very well written and exciting, but I just had this feeling as if I was missing something. Each tale felt too rushed and like I was excluded from important details, as if each short was a highly condensed peek at a larger novel, which I would love to see done in the future!

That being said, you had me at zombie western.

Want to learn more? Find it HERE on goodreads or pick up your own copy today at amazon!

Where Did the Reviews Go?

No, aliens did not take me away and zombies did not force me into hiding! I did have to take a break from reading, unfortunately, due to some pretty important things going on in my life. Made it really hard to focus on reading and after I made it halfway through a book without having a clue what was going on, I had to set aside the books until things calmed down and I could do these books justice.

The time is now. Onward!