Sunday 28 November 2021

Book Review: Misadventure Memoirs, Little Girl Scream #1 by Al E. Boy

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Misadventures Memoirs

Subtitle: (Little Girl Scream, #1)

Author: Al E. Boy

Genre: Thriller

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58182371-misadventures-memoirs

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

A sadistic serial killer is on a rampage in Cancun with his band of killers. When Dale Mathis comes to the Hotel Amatista to teach two young people and increase their chances of going to a good university, he carries with him a secret from his past. A forgotten past that returns to haunt him. Will Sofia Hernandez, the manager of the hotel, be one of the next people to become a victim to the torture and murder so many others already did?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How friendship can bridge between stations in life and generations to find courage.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the third book I’ve read by this author. I read two of his children’s books which were also very enjoyable.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great thriller and I thought it was even better written than the children’s books I read by this author.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Possibly

Adult

Yes

 

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

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

Book Description by Author:

Absolutely nothing can compare to the Hotel Amatista, Cancun's premier luxury resort. The jewel in her family's chain of 5 star hotels, Sofia Hernández is in charge, and the young woman takes great pride when she hears guests remark the hotel makes them feel like they've died and gone to heaven. Unfortunately, that's exactly what's been happening lately, Young guests vanish, only to turn up the next day...abused, tortured...and dead. Sofia suddenly has her hands full dealing with police investigations, trying to ease her guests' fears, and doing her best to save the Amatista's reputation. And, with no way of knowing if the sadistic culprit is a hotel employee or a guest, stopping the killings will be no easy task. With the help of Dale Mathis, a visiting English professor, she is able to thwart further abductions and murders, but her interference draw the ire of the sinister mastermind who decides Sofia must pay for her boldness. To make matters even worse, her new friend becomes the number one suspect of the Cancun police.

About the Author:

Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.

It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he's been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!

Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.

Sunday 21 November 2021

Book Review: The Lost Prince by Cait Marie

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: The Lost Prince

Subtitle: (The Nihryst #2)

Author: Cait Marie

Genre: Literature/Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Probably

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54926712-the-lost-prince

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

Things aren’t as they seem. Ada set off to find a cure to the plague that rages through the land. She isn’t even aware yet that her brother has contracted the disease too. And she also wants to find a way to end the curse that made the Nihryst immortal. Will she be successful? Will she save her brother?

What I liked about the book:

The book is a page-turner full of suspense and twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really loved the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Ada’s thirst to do the right thing at all costs.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

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

This is the second book in the series I’ve read by this author and I would love to find out what happens next just like I did after the first book.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a fantasy novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like fantasy and fairy tales, this may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

A mythical healing flower. A fractured kingdom. A curse unbroken.

 

Adalina and Shane will do whatever it takes to protect their people. Even if that means working with the "enemy."

 

They stopped one tragedy, but now they face an even bigger challenge. Their only hope lies in the story of a mythical golden flower with powers from the sun.

 

It's nothing more than a fairy tale.

 

But that's never stopped Ada before.

 

Once more Ada must set sail on a quest with her favorite band of pirates. While she searches for the magical flower and the truth of the curse on the Nihryst, Shane is left to pick up the pieces of their crumbling kingdom. But there are secrets hidden deep within its history.

 

Secrets that could destroy everything the royal siblings know.

About the Author:

All her life, Cait Marie has loved fairy tales. When she discovered a passion for writing in 2015, she knew she had finally found the right path.

 

Cait is the creator and manager of Functionally Fictional. In 2019, she joined the indie staff of YA Books Central as a reviewer and then Indie Co-Manager in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, she held multiple positions within Coffee House Writers, including C.O.O., Editor, Advertising Supervisor, and Writer. She graduated with honors in 2019 from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and she is currently enrolled in their Master of Fine Arts program.

 

She lives in Indiana, where she freelance edits and provides a variety of other author services. When she’s not writing or reading, she can usually be found watching Disney movies, creating pages in her bullet journal, painting, or singing showtunes to annoy her family and cats.

 

 

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...

Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Website: https://caitmarieh.wordpress.com/

Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...

Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/

Book Review: The Adventures of Fawn by Al E. Boy

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: The Adventures of Fawn

Subtitle: (The Adventures of Fawn #4)

Author: Al E. Boy

Genre: Children’s

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 4

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59429216-the-adventures-of-fawn

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

This is a nice children’s book centred around a young reindeer and her friends. She is now a little older than in the first book and has had some adventures in the second and third book too, giving her even more friends. This time, she sees off her parents when they lead Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. There are people out to destroy Christmas though, and Fawn is tasked with saving Christmas. Will she succeed?

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Fawn has grown and become more responsible.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the second book I’ve read by this author. I understand this is the fourth in a series of 4.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a lovely children’s book. However, the language and writing style would perhaps fit best for older children (10-12 y.o.) and the subject may not entertain the older group as much as the younger children (5-8 y.o.).

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

Yes

Young Adult

Probably not

Adult

If young at heart, yes

 

If you children stories with a Christmassy feel, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

Fantastic! Fun-tastic! Fawn-tastic!

Fawn is back home at the North Pole, and Christmas Eve 1849 has finally arrived. As Santa, Mary, Wajic and the legendary team of reindeer leave to begin the monumental task of delivering gifts to children around the world, a sun pillar appears not far away. But the true purpose of the bright and beautiful column of light is dark and dangerous. Upon Santa’s return, the moment his sleigh touches down, its occupants and the faithful team of reindeer will all disappear forever. Only someone pure of heart and possessing an unblemished soul can extinguish the pillar safely. That someone is--Fawn. But many perils and surprises mark the way to the pillar. Fawn’s very first Christmas may turn out to be her last.!

About the Author:

Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.

It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he's been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!

Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.

Friday 19 November 2021

Book Review: A Broken Past by Cara L. Silver

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: A Broken Past

Subtitle:

Author: Cara L. Silver

Genre: Literary Fiction

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58511131-a-broken-past

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

Dani moves to California to study at USC. She moves from family and memories. But will she bring the memories with her or can she escape the nightmares of her teenage years?

What I liked about the book:

The book is emotional and full of the insecurities of life aggravated by adverse experiences.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Cam never gives up on Dani.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the first book I’ve read by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a book that doesn’t shy away from psychological issues and rape. The author has researched the subject well as the emotions Dani goes through are very believable.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Perhaps

Adult

Yes

 

If you like stories about adverse life events with a silver lining, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

California always seemed like the great place to start over, or so I thought. But my broken past continues to haunt me, even in the City of Angels. Camden Carter, a mysterious law student, walks into my life and begins to shatter the walls that took my entire life to build. Somehow, I end up right in the middle of a replication of my past that I can’t escape.I was always fine being alone; I actually thrived in it, but I soon find out that Cam is the lover that I never knew I wanted. Will I finally find the strength that I never knew I had?

About the Author:

 

Book Review: 'Til the Last Snowflake Falls by Al.E.Boy

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: 'Til the Last Snowflake Falls

Subtitle: (The Adventures of Fawn #1)

Author: Al E. Boy

Genre: Children’s

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36291145-til-the-last-snowflake-falls

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

This is a nice children’s book centred around a young reindeer and her thirst for adventure. During the adventure she becomes friends with a snowboy, a rabbit and some other animals ans she discovers how adventures can be dangerous too.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, and full of twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Snowboy risks it all for his friends.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I understand this is the first in a series of 4.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a lovely children’s book. However, the language and writing style would perhaps fit best for older children (10-12 y.o.) and the subject may not entertain the older group as much as the younger children (5-8 y.o.).

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

Yes

Young Adult

Probably not

Adult

If young at heart, yes

 

If you children stories with a Christmassy feel, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

Legendary reindeer,Comet and Vixen, have a daughter named Fawn. Fawn yearns to explore the world outside Santa's Village, but her parents tell her she's much too young to go off by herself.

"I want some fun and excitement! I don't care how dangerous it is!"

When the young reindeer utters these words, and begins sneaking out each day...she has no idea what's in store for her!

Along the way, Fawn does make friends with a snow bunny and a short snowman...Snowboy. But all is not so rosy, as she comes to realize the dangers her parents warned her about, are actually very, very real!

Hungry, wild animals, a deadly North Pole blizzard, and dangerous strangers capturing animals to sell to a New York City zoo are just some of the situations she's going to have to face.

It's going to be an incredible, exciting, and unforgettable week!

About the Author:

Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.

It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he's been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!

Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.

Book Review: Cursed Plantation by D.E. Grant

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Cursed Plantation

Subtitle:

Author: D.E. Grant

Genre: Mystery/Paranormal/Thriller

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45480220-cursed-plantation

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

When Giselle makes a trip with her parents and ends up in a storm, she doesn’t expect this series of events. Shipwrecked in Louisiana, her mother drowned and now alone with her dad, they look for help and get something completely different. Giselle gets exposed to the horrors of slavery and rape.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed, full of suspense and horror.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Giselle never gives up.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I understand he has written more books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before. The scenes are quite descriptive at times and the trigger warning issued by the author should be kept in mind.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Probably not

Adult

Yes

 

If you like horror and don’t shy away from slavery and rape scenes, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

Being trapped in the unfamiliar territory of Louisiana and forced into slavery is just the beginning of the horrific and degrading experiences young Giselle Morcheaux has to endure at the hands of her sadistic slave master, John Weatherford. His cruelty and merciless treatment of Giselle and the others on his plantation Cottonwood only serves to betray his mask of genteel Southern hospitality. His continued acts of wanton depravity inflicted upon Giselle reach the point where he unwittingly unleashes an evil and malevolent force beyond John’s comprehension that is hell-bent on destruction, retribution, and revenge.

About the Author:

Monday 15 November 2021

Book Review: Mildred Aces and Eights by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Mildred Aces and Eights

Subtitle: (Mildred Unchained #5)

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Crime/Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 5

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59631091-mildred-aces-and-eights

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

Mildred returns to her job at the casino after a 2-week cruise, only to find it closed after being hacked. Boredom awaits her. Or does it? Knowing Mildred, something will turn up to keep her occupied.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Mildred makes friends with people.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

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

This is the fifth book in the series. I couldn’t stop myself and had to get this one soon after it was published.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’ve not read any books like this before other than the first two in the series. Very enjoyable.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like mysteries with humour, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

In the two weeks Mildred was away, her world came to a halt. Sent home while the Ivory Winds Casino works to reopen. Mildred Petrie discovers she can’t sit and wait.

Luckily, she finds the Little Free Library, soon followed by Opal Best and her little dog, Jimmy Olsen. They develop an immediate friendship as they walk the hidden path to the cemetery. No telling what Jimmy will dig up and all the questions of a possible murder.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: The Lost Legends by Cait Marie

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: The Lost Legends

Subtitle: (The Nihryst #1)

Author: Cait Marie

Genre: Literature/Fiction/Young Adult

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48894912-the-lost-legends

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

What if fairy tales were true? Princess Adalina finds out her father plans to kill guests at a ball to start a war and expand his kingdom. Ada sets out to find the Nihryst to help avoid this massacre. Do they exist? Will she find them?

What I liked about the book:

The book is a page-turner full of suspense and twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really loved the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Ada’s little escapades.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

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

This is the first I’ve read by this author and I would love to find out what happens next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a fantasy novel. It is a real page-turner and action-packed.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like fantasy and fairy tales, this may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

A plague. A prophecy. A centuries-long curse.

 

All her life, Princess Adalina heard tales of the legendary, immortal warriors known as the Nihryst. Cursed and bound to a deck of tarot cards by her ancestors, the Nihryst were stranded on a remote island nearly a century and a half earlier.

 

Her brother, Prince Shane, is destined to rule the kingdom of Detmarya. Though preparing for this role has encompassed his entire life, control of the kingdom may come sooner than expected due to their father’s sporadic behavior.

 

Discovering the king's plan to set a war in motion with a mass assassination, Ada unwittingly joins a crew of pirates in search of the only beings powerful enough to stop him: the Nihryst. Meanwhile, Shane and a group of underground rebels make a haunting discovery of a plague infecting the streets of Detmarya.

 

With a looming deadline to save multiple kingdoms and thousands of innocent lives, both royal siblings join quests worthy of Ada’s beloved fairy tales.

About the Author:

All her life, Cait Marie has loved fairy tales. When she discovered a passion for writing in 2015, she knew she had finally found the right path.

 

Cait is the creator and manager of Functionally Fictional. In 2019, she joined the indie staff of YA Books Central as a reviewer and then Indie Co-Manager in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, she held multiple positions within Coffee House Writers, including C.O.O., Editor, Advertising Supervisor, and Writer. She graduated with honors in 2019 from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and she is currently enrolled in their Master of Fine Arts program.

 

She lives in Indiana, where she freelance edits and provides a variety of other author services. When she’s not writing or reading, she can usually be found watching Disney movies, creating pages in her bullet journal, painting, or singing showtunes to annoy her family and cats.

 

 

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...

Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Website: https://caitmarieh.wordpress.com/

Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...

Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/