Book Review: Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Magic-Scars

Subtitle: (The Crown of Stones #2)

Author: C.L. Schneider

Genre: Science Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24381751-magic-scars

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

In this second book in the series, we follow Ian as prisoner of King Draken. After years in captivity, his friends succeed in freeing him and weaning him off the drugs that kept him subdued during his captivity.

Now, it is time to fight the dictator and his father. Will he succeed or will the bloodshed and loss of friends be for nothing?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-filled and does not allow you to put it down (for long, we need sleep, after all).

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Ian keeps fighting for the good in him.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the book in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series and there is a third book too. I couldn’t stop myself and had to buy the third one too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book is comparable to some other books about magic users, kingdoms and wars.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction and magic, this book may be the book for you.

I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Magic doesn’t wound the same as a sword.

 

The story of Ian Troy continues in Magic-Scars, the second installment in C. L. Schneider’s riveting epic fantasy trilogy, The Crown of Stones.

 

Captured by his old enemy, King Draken of Langor, Shinree magic user Ian Troy was sentenced to prison. Tortured and drugged, robbed of his will, his memories, and his magic, Ian was made to do unspeakable things. Rescued, as his body slowly rids itself of the drug, Ian realizes he has returned to an unfamiliar world gripped with fear. In the wake of his fall, those he cared for were left to their own grim fates. Draken has seized control of the realms and named himself High King. His brutal rein has sparked a desperate rebellion that Ian now finds himself a part of. His one task: recover and repair the Crown of Stones, in hopes it will tip the balance in the revolution that is brewing. In pursuit of the reason behind the artifact’s strange loss of magic, Ian is driven to release an explosion of retribution and power that leaves him irrevocably scarred.

 

Struggling to reconcile the man he has become with the man he once was, Ian strives to understand the growing number of magic-scars adorning his body. He searches for the truth behind his link to the Crown of Stones and uncovers shocking secrets buried for generations beneath the sand. To become the weapon the resistance needs, he must assume responsibility for his magical inheritance. But can he curb the destructive appetite that comes with it?

 

The price of Ian’s magic and his addiction have never been higher.

About the Author:

Born in the Midwest, I live in New York's scenic Hudson Valley Region with my husband and two sons. A huge reader since childhood, I penned my first full-length novel in high school on a typewriter in my parent's living room. That was when my dream of becoming a published author was born. Life happened, and it took a while, but I can honestly say: it's the best job ever.

 

If you're looking for puppies, rainbows, and sweet romance, you won't find that here. My stories tend to run dark, gritty, and adult, full of action, magic, intrigue, antiheroes, mysteries and monsters.

 

You can learn more about me and my work at clschneiderauthor.com where you can read reviews, excerpts and sneak peeks, subscribe to my newsletter, and join my Street Team. Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where I'm often found chatting about the wonderful roller coaster of a writer's life.

Book Review: Ani-Mech by Mike Bergonzi

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Ani-Mech

Subtitle:

Author: Mike Bergonzi

Genre: Science Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51103343-ani-mech

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of the young Azami, daughter of the former champion. He was an alcohol-fueled abusive husband who killed her mother, then himself. In their society, suicide is a punishable offence for their next of kin.

Azami is forced to fight in the tournament using Ani-Mech technology.

What I liked about the book:

The unexpected twist towards the end of the book.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was good in its entirety.

My favourite bits in the book:

The friendship Azami strikes up with the current champion.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The unexpected twist towards the end (indeed, I both liked it and hated it).

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The author has written other books, but this is a stand-alone as far as I’m aware. The ending leaves room for a follow-on if the author so wished.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is a mix of science fiction and old-fashioned gladiator-style stories.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction, this book may be the book for you.

I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Suicide is a punishable offense for the next of kin. When the first champion took his life, his daughter had to deal with the consequences.

 

An underdog sports story where the “underdog” is the best athlete by far compared to the other contestants. However, she doesn’t want to win or even enter because of her father’s sins.

 

Forced to fight in the current tournament, can Azami win and save her way of life before her father's past catches up with her?

 

This program is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: Joke Book #1 by Samuel Connell-Dunn

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Joke Book #1

Subtitle: With A Bit of Blue for the Dads!

Author: Samuel Connell-Dunn

Genre: Jokes/Humor

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56046124-joke-book-1

Overall score:

I scored this book 4-5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A nice collection of jokes. Towards the end of the book, the jokes are a little ruder, but, unless you are easily offended, still funny.

What I liked about the book:

Easy to read and some chuckles.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

What is not to like about a joke book?

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The #1 in the title suggests there will be more books to follow.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book is exactly what it says on the cover, a book of jokes.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	Possibly some
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like jokes, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The Joke Book - With A Bit of Blue for the Dads! is a superb book from joke book compiler Samuel Connell-Dunn. As with all jokes, they get passed from generation to generation and this will help remind you in readiness to recite at the right time! There are some silly-funny, cringe-funny and a set of rude jokes too! Something for everyone!

About the Author:

 

Book Review: Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Magic-Price

Subtitle: (The Crown of Stones #1)

Author: C.L. Schneider

Genre: Horror/Magic

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20445329-magic-price

Overall score:

I scored this book 4-5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A story as told many a time before. A race enslaves another. This time, Langorians, Rellans and others enslave the Shinree. The Shinree are a race with magic and are kept under control by drinking a potion that removes their magic and keeps them meek.

Troy was a soldier, now a bounty hunter. He does all in his power to defend the queen of Rella and daughter of his previous queen and lover. Will he be able to succeed or will he fall under the might of the Langorians and their powerful Shinree?

What I liked about the book:

The book is fast-paced, action-filled and a real pageturner.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Ian Troy remained loyal to his friends and rulers.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first in a series of three and I can’t wait to read the next in the series and find out where the story takes us next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book reminds me of other stories about people being treated as slaves and their lands occupied.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like your books full of action, magic and suspense, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Ian Troy is one of the Shinree, a fallen people with an inherent addiction to magic. Scorned and reviled for the deadly side of their spells, the Shinree are bred as slaves. Their magic is suppressed by drugs and used only as it serves the purposes of the other races. Descended from a long line of soldiers, Ian is conscripted into the Rellan army and made to fight in their longstanding conflict against the ruthless Langorian invaders. The downfall of Rella imminent, Ian goes against orders and turns to the Crown of Stones, an ancient Shinree relic of untold power. Ignorant of its true purpose, Ian uses the crown to end the war, and pays a terrible price. A decade later, still tortured by the aftermath of that day, Ian lives as a bounty hunter in self-imposed exile. Having renounced his magical heritage, he curbs his obsession with a steady stream of wine and regret. He struggles to put it all behind him, until a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings Ian’s past crashing into the present. Targeted by a rogue Shinree, and a ruthless old enemy, Ian is forced to use magic again. His deadly addiction is rekindled and his life of isolation is brought to a swift end. With the land he gave up everything to protect once more in jeopardy, and his people’s future at stake, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. To save the realms and those he cares for, Ian must embrace the thing he fears most: his own power.

About the Author:

Born in the Midwest, I live in New York's scenic Hudson Valley Region with my husband and two sons. A huge reader since childhood, I penned my first full-length novel in high school on a typewriter in my parent's living room. That was when my dream of becoming a published author was born. Life happened, and it took a while, but I can honestly say: it's the best job ever.

 

If you're looking for puppies, rainbows, and sweet romance, you won't find that here. My stories tend to run dark, gritty, and adult, full of action, magic, intrigue, antiheroes, mysteries and monsters.

 

You can learn more about me and my work at clschneiderauthor.com where you can read reviews, excerpts and sneak peeks, subscribe to my newsletter, and join my Street Team. Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where I'm often found chatting about the wonderful roller coaster of a writer's life.

Book Review: Darkness Turns To Dawn Turns To Daylight by Golam Maula

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Darkness Turns To Dawn Turns To Daylight

Subtitle:

Author: Golam Maula

Genre: Literature and Fiction (Erotica)

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57222416-darkness-turns-to-dawn-turns-to-daylight

Overall score:

I scored this book 4-5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Although this book is filed under erotica on Amazon, the explicit scenes are only a small part of this book.

The book tells us the journey of a young man from Asian assent, who is allowed to marry the woman he falls in love with rather than through an arranged marriage. What follows is a series of unfortunate events leading to Sid ending up as an escort, moving to America and nearly taking his own life. Can life turn around for him again or is he fated to remain destitute?

What I liked about the book:

Although there were some erotic scenes, this was not the mainstay of the book and only formed a part of the story.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing I disliked about the book, although I very much disliked the ex-wife.

My favourite bits in the book:

How the kindness of a stranger helps Sid to turn his life around.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I am not aware of any other books by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book stands on its own and love, desperation and suicidal thoughts move through the book. This is not just a work of erotica, there is an actual story being told in the book.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably not
Adult	Yes

 

If you like your books dark, but full of hope for the future, and with some erotic scenes, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Sid Basu is a decent man, but when he hits rock bottom he is prepared to do anything to get out of the hole he finds himself in. Even if it involves becoming a male escort. And by the time he has saved up enough money to leave the drudgery of his native Manchester, he is totally alone.

 

But it means he is ready for a new life in New York. He is excited by the lights and the glitz, but what if he tires of the City that Never Sleeps? What if he starts to dream once again of the grey skies of Manchester? Can he ever completely escape his past and find true happiness?

 

Sid Basu doesn’t know, but he’s going to give it everything he’s got to find out.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: Why Did It Have To Be You? by T.l. Quinn

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Why Did It Have To Be You?

Subtitle:

Author: T.L. Quinn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56931124-why-did-it-have-to-be-you

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

When the night before her birthday Caroline’s boyfriend chooses to comfort his ex rather than stay with her, Caroline begins to wonder about their relationship. The next day, he still does not contact her. And when on her birthday night Brian does not get home on time to go out as arranged, Caroline switches off her phone and decides to celebrate on her own at a local pub. She meets the sexy Dean and flirts with him expecting Brian dumped her. Rather than a welcome distraction, things turn complicated.

What I liked about the book:

This book was a pageturner and kept you on the edge of your seat.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike in this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How things turned out okay in the end.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There are none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This author has written other books, but this is the first I have read.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is reminiscent of many other tangled web love stories.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably not
Adult	Yes

 

If you like love stories with an erotic edge, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

I can't stop thinking about those bright, green eyes.

Dean. The hot guy I met at the bar on my birthday. Me and my boyfriend had just broken up. Well sort of. Now I can't stop thinking about him. It doesn't matter now though because I am back with my boyfriend, and I will never see Dean again. Right?

About the Author:

Book Review: A Game of Chess by John Simes

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: A Game of Chess

Subtitle: (The Dream Factory Book 2)

Author: John Simes

Genre: Science Fiction and Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42404922-a-game-of-chess

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

In this second book in the series, Peter’s parents are still missing. Peter narrowly escaped capture in the first book and returned to his family home when the Count left and was killed. Now, Peter and Navinda try to find and free his parents. The book is filled with lots of twists and turns and reasons to keep reading. I couldn’t put the book down.

What I liked about the book:

This book was a pageturner and action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike in this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Navinda could get the upperhand on the baddies at times.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There are none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series and I wonder if there will be a third. The ending of this book leaves that a possibility.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The only book I can think to compare it with is the first in the series.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy and science fiction, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A Game of ChessThe thrilling sequel to The Dream FactoryWhen technology and evil collide, the results are devastating. Peter Young thought things couldn’t get any worse after his parents were snatched from his home. He was wrong. With the help of a revolutionary ephone called Om, and his girlfriend Navinda, Peter’s desperate search for his parents takes him from a sleepy Devon village to the chaos of London. However, Peter and Navinda are merely pawns in a deadly game of chess, orchestrated by criminal mastermind Rosencrantz and the sinister Golden Hand. Who will play the final checkmate?“This dark and compelling tale is lit by a coming of age love story that is beautifully described. Brilliantly crafted, comedic, thrilling and - above all else - thought provoking.” “An unusual and captivating story brilliantly told. Suspenseful, edge of the seat stuff, but often laugh out loud funny too! I would highly recommend. A great read that left me wanting more of the same.” ~ Amanda James, author“Brilliant descriptions of characters and places enrich a twisty plot that kept me guessing right to the end. John Simes is a master story teller."~ James Stevenson, author.

About the Author:

After his career as a teacher and school leader, John Simes founded Collingwood Learning – a consultancy for school improvement. In 2013 he established Collingwood Publishing Limited.

 

John lives with his family in South Devon, England, where he grapples with his addictions to cricket, poetry, and the stunning local landscape, as well as his continuing enthusiasm for education.

 

A Game of Chess is his second novel and is the sequel to The Dream Factory.

Book Review: In Rebellion by John J Higgins

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: In Rebellion

Subtitle: (The Archangel Jarahmael and the War to Conquer Heaven #2)

Author: John J. Higgins

Genre: Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17902272-in-rebellion

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is another great book by this author, and the second in this series. We follow Jarahmael as he becomes a worthy strategic warrior. Luciferael and his followers stage a rebellion to take over the heavens and replace the Almighty. Who will win? Luciferael and his friends? Or, the loyal angels?  

What I liked about the book:

This book was a pageturner. There may be a religious undertone to this book, but this did not take away from the brilliance of the story, nor did it make the story dry.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike in this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Jarahmael can infiltrate the rebellion and turn things around.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When Lillith is tricked by Luciferael.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in a series of three and I’m keen to also read the third book in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The only book I can think to compare it with is the first in the series.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy and don’t mind the hint of religion, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Even the underlying force of love that drives the Almighty’s Universe can go wrong. What happens when the First Born of Heaven feels threatened by the Almighty’s love for the Humans in the Garden of Eden? IN REBELLION, the second installment of the Archangel Jarahmael and the War to Conquer Heaven Trilogy, chronicles the efforts of the Heaven’s elite to dethrone the Almighty Himself. Angels are forced to choose sides, legions of Rebel Angels who worship Luciferael against the legions of Loyal Angels who continue to worship the Almighty, two major forces divided into fighting for ultimate control of the Seven Heavens and the Universe. Can the Almighty and His Love for His Creations survive these trials? Who will win the prototypical war? Who will rule the Heavens? In the meantime, the Archangel Jarahmael and the first Human woman, Lillith, are swept up into the cataclysmic Heavenly War. Can they survive these monumental dangers? Will their love for one another endure?

About the Author:

John J. Higgins is an attorney and former statewide prosecutor who has had a multi-faceted career and life. He has worked on farms, performed firearm repairs, and refinished and sold antiques, all before he finished high school. In between pursuing his college studies, he supervised industrial finishing operations and assisted in developing a powder coating system. After college, he worked fulltime and attended law school at night. He also filmed rock stars and celebrities for public service announcements and produced and emceed a play that performed before audiences that totaled over 170,000. In his career as an attorney, he researched and wrote policy papers for governmental committees, drafted legislation, and revised statutes. In his role as a statewide prosecutor he was involved in some of the highest profile cases in his state, from prosecuting multiple and complex crime rings to homicides, including those committed by a serial killer. Among other things he does in his private life, he can scuba dive and pilot an airplane. An avid student of history and spiritual development, he lives in New Jersey in an old Victorian train station he converted into his residence.

He can be reached at his website: john-j-higgins.com