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authordanielleforrest's Reviews (110)
Samantha LaFantasie has a lot of potential as a writer and it shows in Heart Song. She has that which cannot be learned: creativity and imagination. She creates an engaging world with a plot that starts with a bang as the main character, Relena, is running from those that would lock her up and do terrible things to her.
I truly enjoyed the story and, throughout most of the book, was driven to know what would happen next. The world she creates blends the paranormal with that of the more world-building centric branch of fantasy novels.
There was one scene I especially liked where she is sparing (with swords) and someone has to tell her to stop and breathe. I used to do Kendo and stopped after an incident where I basically stopped breathing during a sparing match. When the match was over, I about collapsed on the floor. This scene really rang true for me because of my experiences. I also enjoyed the irony of the immortals, who were outcasts themselves and anything but ordinary, being leery of outsiders. That is generally a human trait and while there were those of the immortal races that considered themselves above everyone else, many were insular and wary of people from the mortal realm, where all of their troubles arose.
I think the characters could have had more depth, but that is more of a personal preference. The book is good without it. I think it could have been more. I understood the lack of depth for Marren. He is frequently terse and trying to get information out of him is like pulling teeth. Nothing short of torture will do. But Relena is the main character and yet we know little of her past. In fact, a single incident shapes almost our entire knowledge of her past. It is a major event in her life, but it is still only one event. That and her relationship with her father are really all we know about her before she meets Marren, making her seem 2D at times. But, like I said, while I think it would have made for a far better book if we had more insight into the main character, the book was wonderful without it. LaFantasie was able to create a character that I, as the reader, felt invested in. I can certainly overlook wanting to know more. After all, wanting to know more is an essential byproduct of caring about a character and the author definitely pulls off a cast of characters than the reader cares about the futures of and dismays when events don't come up roses.
Of note, the author is planning an update to correct some formatting issues in the conversion process to ebook which were not caught initially. Until the update is posted, perfectionists may be disheartened by the book at first.
All in all, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to more from the author.
I truly enjoyed the story and, throughout most of the book, was driven to know what would happen next. The world she creates blends the paranormal with that of the more world-building centric branch of fantasy novels.
There was one scene I especially liked where she is sparing (with swords) and someone has to tell her to stop and breathe. I used to do Kendo and stopped after an incident where I basically stopped breathing during a sparing match. When the match was over, I about collapsed on the floor. This scene really rang true for me because of my experiences. I also enjoyed the irony of the immortals, who were outcasts themselves and anything but ordinary, being leery of outsiders. That is generally a human trait and while there were those of the immortal races that considered themselves above everyone else, many were insular and wary of people from the mortal realm, where all of their troubles arose.
I think the characters could have had more depth, but that is more of a personal preference. The book is good without it. I think it could have been more. I understood the lack of depth for Marren. He is frequently terse and trying to get information out of him is like pulling teeth. Nothing short of torture will do. But Relena is the main character and yet we know little of her past. In fact, a single incident shapes almost our entire knowledge of her past. It is a major event in her life, but it is still only one event. That and her relationship with her father are really all we know about her before she meets Marren, making her seem 2D at times. But, like I said, while I think it would have made for a far better book if we had more insight into the main character, the book was wonderful without it. LaFantasie was able to create a character that I, as the reader, felt invested in. I can certainly overlook wanting to know more. After all, wanting to know more is an essential byproduct of caring about a character and the author definitely pulls off a cast of characters than the reader cares about the futures of and dismays when events don't come up roses.
Of note, the author is planning an update to correct some formatting issues in the conversion process to ebook which were not caught initially. Until the update is posted, perfectionists may be disheartened by the book at first.
All in all, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to more from the author.
The first thing I thought when I started reading this book was, "Oh my God, it's in present tense." I was already a little put off by the very CG-looking book cover and reading fiction in present tense is sort of a pet peeve of mine. My mind was having visions of Fifty Shades of Grey or other equally difficult to read books I've subjected myself to over time.
But I read on and found that, amazingly, Riley J. Ford has actually managed to pull off present tense. It was a bit awkward at first, as it always is when your mind is expecting things in past tense out of habit and they aren't, but the book isn't difficult to read. It isn't awkward and it flows quickly along, dragging us along with Winter, frequently thinking, "No, don't! You'll get caught!" or "Oh my God, I'd be so embarrassed!" I quickly found myself wrapped up in her antics, worried and chagrined for her.
The book is engaging to the reader even though, as a woman in my mid-twenties, I'm probably not the target audience. Throughout the book, I find myself anxious for the protagonist's plight as she tries to identify her friend's murderer. I can't help but laugh as she's nudged time after time to use her powers (the ability to read minds when she touches lips with someone... guy or girl) to find the killer.
Filled with comedy, mystery, suspense, and wacky powers, Ford pulls you along through Winter's highs and lows. A good read, even if you're not into the Young Adult market.
But I read on and found that, amazingly, Riley J. Ford has actually managed to pull off present tense. It was a bit awkward at first, as it always is when your mind is expecting things in past tense out of habit and they aren't, but the book isn't difficult to read. It isn't awkward and it flows quickly along, dragging us along with Winter, frequently thinking, "No, don't! You'll get caught!" or "Oh my God, I'd be so embarrassed!" I quickly found myself wrapped up in her antics, worried and chagrined for her.
The book is engaging to the reader even though, as a woman in my mid-twenties, I'm probably not the target audience. Throughout the book, I find myself anxious for the protagonist's plight as she tries to identify her friend's murderer. I can't help but laugh as she's nudged time after time to use her powers (the ability to read minds when she touches lips with someone... guy or girl) to find the killer.
Filled with comedy, mystery, suspense, and wacky powers, Ford pulls you along through Winter's highs and lows. A good read, even if you're not into the Young Adult market.
Lichgates is a fresh, well-written, well-edited Indy-published novel that takes you through the extraordinary events that surround Kara, a human who stumbles upon a world filled with magic and terrifying creatures - many of whom would just as soon see her dead or use her for their own selfish aims.
Kara is an ordinary person, that lived an ordinary life, and such is not equipped for what lays ahead of her. Some choices will lead to tragedy, others... well she's always getting into trouble actually. Her smart mouth and independent American ways don't always lend well to diplomacy. The story revolves around her role as "The Vagabond". I found it interesting that she used this word for her role as it frequently had negative connotations throughout history. For example, in Middle English, its meaning was criminal, very apropos.
Braeden, her companion through the book, is a likable character I found myself frequently rooting for and loving the irony caused by his dichotomous role. And yet, he leaves you frequently wondering if his own ulterior motives will bring tragedy to the heroine. This tug of war between his own contrary intentions, whether conscious or not, brings a level of tension and angst to their relationship that Kara is entirely unaware of for much of the story, making me want to scream at her to be careful around him, to not trust him.
I liked that the hero of this story is actually a heroine and how Boyce handled the problems involved in her interacting with frequently patriarchal societies. Most of the stories of this type contain a male lead (Tolkienn's Frodo and Bilbo Baggins and Brandon Sandersen's Kelsier to name a couple). It seems I'm always looking for video games and stories where there is a female lead. It's refreshing and leads to interesting road blocks on the road toward eventual success. Talking of road blocks, another element that makes this novel interesting is that the road blocks are not all from a centralizing symbolic evil (e.g. Mordor from The Lord of the Rings). Her role as Vagabond is not a simple symbolic role with a single connotation for all, but a mixed heritage with a dense past she is largely unaware of throughout the novel, complicating her goals.
The Grimoire Trilogy has the potential to be a cult classic the likes of The Lord of the Rings. The book is filled with impressive imagery, the world coming to life in the readers' minds with ease. The characters are alive and different, bringing both the everyday world and fantasy upon each other with little difficulty. I found myself practically (even literally) giggling as I bubbled with excitement to see what would come next. I think you will too.
Kara is an ordinary person, that lived an ordinary life, and such is not equipped for what lays ahead of her. Some choices will lead to tragedy, others... well she's always getting into trouble actually. Her smart mouth and independent American ways don't always lend well to diplomacy. The story revolves around her role as "The Vagabond". I found it interesting that she used this word for her role as it frequently had negative connotations throughout history. For example, in Middle English, its meaning was criminal, very apropos.
Braeden, her companion through the book, is a likable character I found myself frequently rooting for and loving the irony caused by his dichotomous role. And yet, he leaves you frequently wondering if his own ulterior motives will bring tragedy to the heroine. This tug of war between his own contrary intentions, whether conscious or not, brings a level of tension and angst to their relationship that Kara is entirely unaware of for much of the story, making me want to scream at her to be careful around him, to not trust him.
I liked that the hero of this story is actually a heroine and how Boyce handled the problems involved in her interacting with frequently patriarchal societies. Most of the stories of this type contain a male lead (Tolkienn's Frodo and Bilbo Baggins and Brandon Sandersen's Kelsier to name a couple). It seems I'm always looking for video games and stories where there is a female lead. It's refreshing and leads to interesting road blocks on the road toward eventual success. Talking of road blocks, another element that makes this novel interesting is that the road blocks are not all from a centralizing symbolic evil (e.g. Mordor from The Lord of the Rings). Her role as Vagabond is not a simple symbolic role with a single connotation for all, but a mixed heritage with a dense past she is largely unaware of throughout the novel, complicating her goals.
The Grimoire Trilogy has the potential to be a cult classic the likes of The Lord of the Rings. The book is filled with impressive imagery, the world coming to life in the readers' minds with ease. The characters are alive and different, bringing both the everyday world and fantasy upon each other with little difficulty. I found myself practically (even literally) giggling as I bubbled with excitement to see what would come next. I think you will too.
A friend led me to this book and it caught my interest from the blurb. I don't buy books often but I bought this in a sheepish impulse. I had several books that I already agreed to review so this was bumped further down the list. All I can say is this book is so much better than its blurb or its absolutely gorgeous cover (and I sort of wish I had bumped it up).
The book tells the story of a seventeen year old girl that finds herself the victim of vampire politics. It has everything you could want in a vampire novel: blood, violence, death, intrigue, psychos and allies that will die for your heroine.
Though short (Amazon estimates it at about 219 pages for the ebook and I read the book in less than a day), it fits into it digitized pages the action of a much thicker novel, flitting from one harrowing fight scene to the next. The scenery is well thought out and clearly depicted without detracting from the speed and flow of the plot.
The characters keep you guessing and I thoroughly enjoyed Lucas, a companion that is about as hard to read as a book in braille to a sighted person. The reactions of Zee, the main character, are realistic and engaging, making you feel for her. You empathize with her trials. You fear for her life and the life of her friends.
What Kills Me will keep you glued to the edge of your seat till the very end. Don't miss out.
The book tells the story of a seventeen year old girl that finds herself the victim of vampire politics. It has everything you could want in a vampire novel: blood, violence, death, intrigue, psychos and allies that will die for your heroine.
Though short (Amazon estimates it at about 219 pages for the ebook and I read the book in less than a day), it fits into it digitized pages the action of a much thicker novel, flitting from one harrowing fight scene to the next. The scenery is well thought out and clearly depicted without detracting from the speed and flow of the plot.
The characters keep you guessing and I thoroughly enjoyed Lucas, a companion that is about as hard to read as a book in braille to a sighted person. The reactions of Zee, the main character, are realistic and engaging, making you feel for her. You empathize with her trials. You fear for her life and the life of her friends.
What Kills Me will keep you glued to the edge of your seat till the very end. Don't miss out.
This was a fun read from beginning to end. It is a romance with a spattering of Greek mythology integral to the story. I found myself trying to figure out what the bad guy was up to, even frequently getting it wrong as I didn't yet have enough information to fill in the puzzle.
While clearly romance, the story wasn't what I would call mommy porn, as it's come to be called. A primary theme of the novel is the relationship dynamics between the characters, which are constantly in flux as you try to figure out who wants who and who is related, which brings about its own tension. It's kind of like daytime soaps in that way, actually, now that I think about it. But in a good way. The book keeps you guessing and engaged in the lives of those in it, whether they be good guys or bad.
McKnight is great about using foreshadowing and giving out information piecemeal so as to engage the reader and entice them to read further without becoming irritating.
The main character, Lucessa, had me laughing over her attitude and snarky thoughts. Maxim had me vying for him, cheering him on and hoping things would work out. Guy and Marie left me agonizing for them as I saw how Guy beat himself up over the choices he'd had to make and how Marie struggled, breaking her daughter's heart over and over again without even realizing.
As a word of warning, I found a few grammar mistakes in the book, mostly comma usage and using present tense instead of past tense, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book even though I'm a perfectionist. It also didn't pull me out of the story, which I have had happen before. I have had to put a book down because of poor editing. I will not review it if it doesn't reach a certain standard. I won't even finish it. I am not very forgiving of mistakes in editing but these I could easily overlook.
Only in her Dreams, with so many twists and turns, will keep you trying to put the clues together as you yearn for the characters to make it through. Definitely a good read.
While clearly romance, the story wasn't what I would call mommy porn, as it's come to be called. A primary theme of the novel is the relationship dynamics between the characters, which are constantly in flux as you try to figure out who wants who and who is related, which brings about its own tension. It's kind of like daytime soaps in that way, actually, now that I think about it. But in a good way. The book keeps you guessing and engaged in the lives of those in it, whether they be good guys or bad.
McKnight is great about using foreshadowing and giving out information piecemeal so as to engage the reader and entice them to read further without becoming irritating.
The main character, Lucessa, had me laughing over her attitude and snarky thoughts. Maxim had me vying for him, cheering him on and hoping things would work out. Guy and Marie left me agonizing for them as I saw how Guy beat himself up over the choices he'd had to make and how Marie struggled, breaking her daughter's heart over and over again without even realizing.
As a word of warning, I found a few grammar mistakes in the book, mostly comma usage and using present tense instead of past tense, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book even though I'm a perfectionist. It also didn't pull me out of the story, which I have had happen before. I have had to put a book down because of poor editing. I will not review it if it doesn't reach a certain standard. I won't even finish it. I am not very forgiving of mistakes in editing but these I could easily overlook.
Only in her Dreams, with so many twists and turns, will keep you trying to put the clues together as you yearn for the characters to make it through. Definitely a good read.
This book made me want to jump on the roof tops shouting Hallelujah. Yeah, it's that good. Looking back, I'm not entirely certain what elements were to blame for my high esteem of this book. It simply pulled me in and dragged me along. Though not a short book at 418 pages, I read it in a few hours (maybe eight total). I couldn't put it down. The last couple of days, if I got in bed by one in the morning, I was doing good. And that's with having obligations that require me to be up by 6:30 in the morning. I was dying on my feet yesterday with five hours sleep. Brilliant.
Filled with intrigue, sexual tension (and, yeah, some vivid sex scenes), swear words (so, you know I'm happy), double-crosses, murder, mayhem, characters waking up covered in blood, shady organizations, and, of course, main characters with a side they can neither control nor remember the actions of; what's not to love?
Stewart pairs Eden, the female lead you can't help but like, with Mitch, a character that you should love to hate but just can't seem to. The characters are deep and, I think, that's part of the reason Mitch is a character I came to like so much. If he wasn't such a deep character, his abrasiveness would send people running... and does, just not the readers. I like that Mitch could just as easily been the bad guy of the story... except there are evils far worse out there than Hyde, his alter ego.
Hyde is the type of book that makes you want to run to download the next book in the series. I just didn't want it to end. I had to know what was going to happen next. I won't just recommend this book; you are truly missing out if you let this treasure pass you by.
Filled with intrigue, sexual tension (and, yeah, some vivid sex scenes), swear words (so, you know I'm happy), double-crosses, murder, mayhem, characters waking up covered in blood, shady organizations, and, of course, main characters with a side they can neither control nor remember the actions of; what's not to love?
Stewart pairs Eden, the female lead you can't help but like, with Mitch, a character that you should love to hate but just can't seem to. The characters are deep and, I think, that's part of the reason Mitch is a character I came to like so much. If he wasn't such a deep character, his abrasiveness would send people running... and does, just not the readers. I like that Mitch could just as easily been the bad guy of the story... except there are evils far worse out there than Hyde, his alter ego.
Hyde is the type of book that makes you want to run to download the next book in the series. I just didn't want it to end. I had to know what was going to happen next. I won't just recommend this book; you are truly missing out if you let this treasure pass you by.
At first, I wasn't so sure about this book because of the cover. The cover reminded me of the stories I used to read as a kid. You know, like Scariest Stories to Tell in the Dark. I still remember one of the songs in the back. I think it went something like: The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, in your stomach and out your snout. I don't remember the rest, but the cover made me thing of those types of stories.
As I read the book, which is quite short and consisting of five short stories, I realized that this book is a lot like those childhood tales. Except, it is geared and adapted to an adult audience. It was brilliant.
The first story, "The Door" by Ian Kezsbom, was a perfect start to the series. "When the door opens the world disappears." I loved how you gradually realize what's going on. What is that room? Why are they there? What do they have in common? You'll have to read to find out.
"Blackout" and "Eye of the Wolf" by Lisa Gail Green were great chilling tales. You know bad things are happening. You may even suspect even worse things are going to happen. Still, the author ends the stories with the type of closure I haven't read in years. Happy endings are overrated.
"Infinity" by Ian Kezsbom was predicable, but still a fun read and cool concepts. The last story, "Afterdeath" by Leslie S. Rose might just have been the most powerful story in the book. The story had me in its grip, on the edge of my seat and vying for the couple, for a happily ever after. And with a collection like this one, there's no telling whether they got it.
All in all, I enjoyed this short collection of stories and for $0.99, what's to lose? So sit back, relax, and enjoy a little piece of your childhood with an adult twist. You'll be glad you did.
Source: Amazon.com (Gifted from the author)
eReader: Kindle for iPad
File type: MOBI
As I read the book, which is quite short and consisting of five short stories, I realized that this book is a lot like those childhood tales. Except, it is geared and adapted to an adult audience. It was brilliant.
The first story, "The Door" by Ian Kezsbom, was a perfect start to the series. "When the door opens the world disappears." I loved how you gradually realize what's going on. What is that room? Why are they there? What do they have in common? You'll have to read to find out.
"Blackout" and "Eye of the Wolf" by Lisa Gail Green were great chilling tales. You know bad things are happening. You may even suspect even worse things are going to happen. Still, the author ends the stories with the type of closure I haven't read in years. Happy endings are overrated.
"Infinity" by Ian Kezsbom was predicable, but still a fun read and cool concepts. The last story, "Afterdeath" by Leslie S. Rose might just have been the most powerful story in the book. The story had me in its grip, on the edge of my seat and vying for the couple, for a happily ever after. And with a collection like this one, there's no telling whether they got it.
All in all, I enjoyed this short collection of stories and for $0.99, what's to lose? So sit back, relax, and enjoy a little piece of your childhood with an adult twist. You'll be glad you did.
Source: Amazon.com (Gifted from the author)
eReader: Kindle for iPad
File type: MOBI
After reading and reviewing Volume 1, I was looking forward to Volume 2 and it doesn't disappoint. Keeping to the feel of Volume 1, Volume 2 continues in its legacy with stories of nightmares, horror, and unhappy endings.
The first story, "CAL" by Lisa Gail Green kept me hoping that things would work out for the main characters. Filled with tension and dread, I kept hoping our deepest fears would be proven wrong...
"The Terrible, Perfect Duet" by Trista A. Bissett tells a coming of age story, with a twist. At times, I found myself wondering, "What is she turning into?"
"Helios" by Leslie S. Rose was a story that screamed tragedy from the very beginning. Throughout the story, I wondered what would be their downfall. Would the father she never knew cast her aside? Would her mate lead her astray? Would they, like Icarus, reach for the heavens and fall to the earth? As I read on, I had the sneaking suspicion the couple would never make it off the planet with the rest of the evacuees. I'll let you read it to find out what really happened.
"Encrypted" by Ian Kezsbom had me trying to put the clues together like a mystery. I'm known for figuring out the whodunits before everyone else (including Sherlock Holmes), so saying I saw the ending a mile away doesn't mean it was obvious. Still, I loved trying to piece the reality that Kezsbom paints together to figure out what's really going on. Think deeper and maybe you'll figure it out too.
"Lighting the Sacred Way" by S. P. Sipal was a cool story and different from the rest, at least in my opinion. I can honestly say I didn't see the ending coming. It was a good ending. I liked the ending. It balanced out all the other endings.
The first story, "CAL" by Lisa Gail Green kept me hoping that things would work out for the main characters. Filled with tension and dread, I kept hoping our deepest fears would be proven wrong...
"The Terrible, Perfect Duet" by Trista A. Bissett tells a coming of age story, with a twist. At times, I found myself wondering, "What is she turning into?"
"Helios" by Leslie S. Rose was a story that screamed tragedy from the very beginning. Throughout the story, I wondered what would be their downfall. Would the father she never knew cast her aside? Would her mate lead her astray? Would they, like Icarus, reach for the heavens and fall to the earth? As I read on, I had the sneaking suspicion the couple would never make it off the planet with the rest of the evacuees. I'll let you read it to find out what really happened.
"Encrypted" by Ian Kezsbom had me trying to put the clues together like a mystery. I'm known for figuring out the whodunits before everyone else (including Sherlock Holmes), so saying I saw the ending a mile away doesn't mean it was obvious. Still, I loved trying to piece the reality that Kezsbom paints together to figure out what's really going on. Think deeper and maybe you'll figure it out too.
"Lighting the Sacred Way" by S. P. Sipal was a cool story and different from the rest, at least in my opinion. I can honestly say I didn't see the ending coming. It was a good ending. I liked the ending. It balanced out all the other endings.