Book Review Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Two stars! Two stars! I have to give it two stars. Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon didn’t start at two stars, like all books, it started it at four and found itself being dragged down by the immense word count and a thin idea. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Dark-Hunter series, at least until No Mercy. No Mercy hurt, but Sundown and the Guardian killed me and I stopped reading the continuation of the series due to it. The only reason why I picked up Styxx was because some review said it was as good as Acheron. Acheron, in my opinion only ranked at three stars and heralded the fall of this series. But I enjoyed the early life of that book, so I figured, why not and bought it.

For the first half of the book, I truly enjoyed the read. Styxx’s life was just as hard as Acheron’s- neglect, beatings, rape -the only difference in the two was that Styxx was more stoic about it. I love stoic characters. Continuing on, he meets the love of his life who happens to be a half-Egyptian and Atlantian goddess.

Slight spoiler, she is the daughter of Set and that makes her Seth’s half sister. She is also black, a fact Ms. Kenyon added to the story, possibly due to the flack she got for making Seth a ginger in the Guardian. I don’t care about skin color.

I have an issue with her making a certain gay character straight in her other series, but that’s just due to a pitifully weak reason and the fact what  happened in the end ruined the continuity of the series.

Following that, Styxx’s story proceeds to go downhill as it goes through the motions of ‘adding more back story’ pulled from earlier books- Night Pleasures, Acheron, etc. After that boring dreg, the pace picks up to a rate it becomes like a piece of ice floating in a stream of water. The ice is the plot, the water is what is.

Overall, Styxx started out really well, I actually stayed up to read it, but fell hard towards the end. The series is still a read for me; I’m just going to skip all characters that aren’t Artemis, Noir, Azuara, Jaden and his friend whose name I can’t recall.

Book Review Beneath the Neon Moon by Theda Black

Beneath the Neon Moon by Theda Black opens up a bit like Saw movie; chained, bound to another and not even the foggiest idea of what is going one. “I wanna play a game,” except with wear-wolves.

From there, it stays dark but the characterization of Zach and Mal, though limited, brings a light to it.

Beneath the Neon Moon is a fantastic read, four out of five and I want a sequel.

Book Review Drain Me Dry by Leigh Wilder

Truth be told, I was surprised by how much I liked this story. It was procured during a binge run on Amazon a couple of months back as a free read. I figured gay vampires and a few BDSM elements, why the hell not?

Drain Me Dry by Leigh Wilder tells the story of Jamie and his desire to escape his situation of an abusive, alcoholic father and a crap job at the local fast food joint, preferably by dying by the bite of a vampire.

 A violent way to die to be sure, but plans as stupid as that one rarely unfold as expected and Jamie is at the mercy of a vampire.

As stated before, this is a story about gay vampires and there are strong sexual elements in it. They aren’t porn level, well the description is vivid, but I meant little plot, loads of sex. As for the plot it is there, but the characterization is what’s truly impressive, especially considering how short the story is. I personally believe that Drain Me Dry is just set up for the sequel.

Overall, I give the story a three out of five and just need to review the sequel.

Book Review Attracting Anthony by Amber Kell

If it wasn’t for the writer in me, Attracting Anthony, book one of the Moon Pack Series by Amber Kell would have been more enjoyable. With that said, I did somewhat enjoy the story I just didn’t like certain aspects of it.

Anthony is talked into going to a club with his best-friend, Steven, but in order not to outshine his friend, he casts a glamour that makes him look less attractive then he is, showcasing how good of a friend he is.

In those same pages, the death of Anthony’s lover is mentioned and the glamour for friendship is downgraded to a twofer.

The issue I have with the beginning is due to the way it was worded. Hundreds of words could have been cut if the scenes describing the effects of the glamour and the conversation between Anthony and Steven had been merged into one. It also would have been less jarring.

Once passed the first chapter, the story unfolded and proceeded to become more interesting. The love interest is named Silver Moon, an alpha were-wolf and owner of the club, which apparently remains unnamed, that Anthony is visiting. As it is a short story, the romance unfolds quickly and I truthfully don’t mind that. What I mind is the lack of conflict between the two of them or an outside force opposing their love. Anthony’s parents would have been an amusing opposition, or the vampires reengaging on the deal.  I don’t really care, I just wanted conflict. Honestly, anything would have been beneficial two crank this story up to a full three rather than two and a half.

NaNoWriMo

In case you didn’t realize, it’s November and that means it is write a novel in a month time.

Ok, I will admit, that’s my goal for every month…

Anyways, in my mass stupidity, I first thought to write book four of the Power Series, a side story called Rising Power before editing book three. A stupid move if there ever was one. At that point in time, I thought it brilliant.

So it came to be on Sunday, when I wrote myself into a corner and wanted to scream. It wasn’t a real corner. It was more of a fear corner, the fear of writing so much in the side story that book four of the main series would have continuity issues and book three would make no sense.

So what was I to do? I wanted to do NaNoWriMo but the series I was focusing on was on hiatuses. Much like this blog.

So I did what anyone in my position would do. I dusted off an idea and started writing. Considering I started three days after the start of NaNoWriMo, my new story, titled Bastard Born, is going pretty good. At last count, I was at 10,000 plus words. I’m happy and since I avoid plotting like anything with pork, I have no outline.

Well, I need to write 4,000 words before the end of the night to catch up.

Happy writings.

Artemis and Her Shows ep 02 part 2 of 02

Artemis, Latis and the twins searched for a week, looking for the best place to set up their show and decided on a small town with a large populace of college students.

“I like the energy here.” Artemis said. “It’s slightly off balanced. It will allow us to alter the environment to suit our needs.”

“There is a nexus here as well.” One of the twins noted.

“There is also a seal. We best avoid it less Jade become aware.”

Artemis nodded. Jade was fun killer. “Do you see anything else?”

“Not at this point in time.” Latis answered. “Now, let’s do a casting.”

The four deities teleported to the college and looked for prospective stars.

 

* * * * *

Ep 02 part 02 of 02

CDE blog posted October 23, 2013

 

His name was Mike and he had just turned twenty-one. And at this point in time, he wished that he had never gotten out of bed. Or better yet, headed to the bar and stayed there. Cause, really, this was too much.

The creature lunged for him, its green skin becoming a blur as he dropped to the ground in an effort to avoid being hit.

What the thing was really didn’t matter; it was trying to hurt him, more than likely kill him. And that was something that he just wouldn’t allow. Kicking the creature between the legs, he jolted as his right foot got stuck.

“What the hell?” he wondered before he pushed off with his left foot in hopes of freeing himself. It worked and Mark landed on his ass.

A condescending laugh was heard and Mark turned to see where it was coming from.

“Best run, little boy.” The voice was male as if the height hadn’t placed that gender into his head. He had his hood up and he carried a tire-iron as if he knew how to use it as a weapon.

“Bitch, you aint no older then I.”

The male stopped and cocked his head. “Give me a moment.”  He redirected his attention to the creature and charged. The tire iron stuck with the accuracy that could only be gifted by a blunt instrument.

Mark would have been impressed if the attack had any effect, but the creature seemed to be a semisolid and the newcomer lost his weapon because of it.

Artemis and her Shows Ep 2 part 01 of 02

Artemis, Latis and the twins searched for a week, looking for the best place to set up their show and decided on a small town with a large populace of college students.

“I like the energy here.” Artemis said. “It’s slightly off balanced. It will allow us to alter the environment to suit our needs.”

“There is a nexus here as well.” One of the twins noted.

“There is also a seal. We best avoid it less Jade become aware.”

Artemis nodded. Jade was fun killer. “Do you see anything else?”

“Not at this point in time.” Latis answered. “Now, let’s do a casting.”

The four deities teleported to the college and looked for prospective stars.

Artemis and Her Shows EP 01

“If I have said it once, I have said it many times. People are idiots.” Circe chuckled from her favorite chair as she watched the verdict come down.

“What you do you expect? In this time, people are rewarded for ignorance and not reading the fine print.” Artemis shook her head.

“They read the fine print back in the day?”

Artemis was silent. “Well, no. But they usually didn’t try and sue.”

“That’s because they would get speared before they made it to court.”

Artemis tilted her head in agreement. “This is depressing. Let’s watch something fun.”

Before Circe could add a word, the channel had changed and colored spandex clad fighters filled the screen. “Why are we watching this crap? Better question yet, how is this drivel still on?”

“Drivel? This is one of the greatest shows of all time!”

Circe shook her head. “No… no it isn’t.”

“Stop lying. You know it is.” Artemis beamed and popped an apple slice into her mouth. “Now be quiet. This is the best part.”

Circe sighed and watched as the special effects kicked in and the monster was destroyed.

Watch it grow. And it did indeed grow. Circe groaned as Artemis jumped up and started dancing to the music.

“Bamp da bamp bamp.”

“You’re a child.”

“Well then this child has great taste in shows.”

Circe retrieved the remote from the coffee table and turned the TV off.

“Hey, I was watching that.” Artemis stopped and glared at her best friend.

“Not anymore, we have planes or did you forget?”

“Of course not, it’s just that I thought it wasn’t till later.” Artemis pouted. “Hey, wouldn’t it be awesome if we had powers like that?”

“Artie, you’re an immortal Greek goddess with more power then Zeus has illegitimate children.”

Artemis beamed. “You’re right.”

“Wait, Artemis, where are you going?” Artemis didn’t listen; she simple teleported away.

Circe sighed in annoyance and followed Artemis’ trail.

The beach was deserted save for the four deities standing in front of her.

Circe sighed as she looked upon her best friend and her friends. “Who are they?”

Latis raised an eyebrow at her and nodded. “Why is she here?”

“She’s going to help us.” Artemis answered.

“With what?” Latis questioned.

“Our plan for making my favorite show a reality.”

Circe shook her head. “That is a bad idea. Latis, you know it is.”

“How could it be a bad idea? It seems like fun.” One of the unknown deities said. She was a goddess with short black hair and a smile that seemed to be permanent. And by the similar features carried by the only male in the area, Circe guessed they were twins.

“Who are you?” Circe asked, annoyed with the lack of assistance in stopping Artemis' plan.

“Yes. Now all we need is five teenagers with attitude.” Artemis commented.

“Teenagers cost too much money. We’d also have to deal with their parents.” The male twin said.

“College students. Still drama filled and legal.” Artemis noted.

“True.” The twins said in unison.

“Let’s find some.” Latis ordered.

A Short Rant About Book Series Expanding Decades

Before reading this, keep in mind that this is a rant. If it was an essay, I would support my arguments and it would flow. The grammer would also be better. Not by much, though....

* * * * *

The problem with series that follow a central character is that the character has to evolve. Take Anita Blake and Eve Dallas for example. I started reading these series in my junior year of high school. Both of the books I found interesting for different reasons. The first book of Anita  Blake-Guilty Pleasures- was a paranormal thriller with romantic elements in it, while Eve-Naked in Death- was a futuristic thriller/romance. Both of the series had strong females as the lead with a past that defined them.

As the series progressed the characters evolved, Eve got married- a woman who was terrified of love and showing emotion and Anita found love from different sources – a catholic raised girl who believed in monogamy.

Further down the road they changed even more Anita gained new powers and responsibilities while Eve had to deal with becoming Ms. Roark and the career halter being married to such a powerful man poses.

Now I can’t say how the newest books in this series are as I am about four books behind in the Dallas series and one behind in Anita, but taking into account that both series have been going on since the mid to late nineties, I’m impressed by the way the characters have evolved. Do I believe they are as good, if not better than the earlier books? No.  Do I believe that are worse? Also, no. They are just different and sometimes different just doesn’t agree with you.

Darkness

So I cleaned my desktop folders and found this old poem and was supprised that it actully fits a character for a story I'm plotting.



* * * * *

In the darkness

 

I find myself

 

I find what I am capable of

 

I find what others would seek to keep

 

From me

 

Me

 

I am who I am

 

A faceless wonder;

 

A mindless drone to some,

 

a pain in the ass to others

 

It doesn’t matter what I am in the light

 

Because in the darkness

 

I am who I am meant to be

 

I am me.

Power Draws Power Prophecy

When light and dark meet in equal quantities (equal footing)

There power will draw power and the blood which imprisons will be spilled.

A creature born of vengeance walk

Style itself an artist

To consume and devour

Its appetite insatiable

It will stalk the world and paint it red

A Poem About Athena

This one can actually be called useful to Power Draws Power and the other books in the series.

Athena

 



There was once a woman named Athena

who many wished they'd neva seena.

She was calous and cold.

Truth be told.

She was worse liked then mold

A Poem About Zeus

Never let me get bored. I tend to thing things like this are funny.

There once was a bloke named Zeus who had a really big caboose.

He would stand and sigh.

Fry mortals alive.

For trying to touch ass so divine

A Different Angle Part 02 of 02

For the past two days, Mikhial had avoided Sally like the plague. Going so far as to leave his cell-phone at home and forcing his brother to take an alternate route to and from his school. It worked for the most part as their schedules were mirrors of each others. He would occasionally have to alter her perception when she cornered him in the hallways.

Being a god did have its advantages. Yet another promise made to his mother kept him from cursing his ex’s testacies off.

The image did make him smile and that helped when he saw his ex with Sally.

Mikhail felt sorry for his former friend and wondered if she knew what she was getting herself into. Considering that she knew he was a cheat, she probley did. But it didn’t matter. If Markus was right, then Tobias was interested in sex and sex alone. Eventually they would break up and Sally would be alone and Tobias, as Cullen said, would go into porn.

 

Perhaps Mikhail starred at Tobias too long because he tensed and turned to look at Mikhail. A frown appeared on his ex’s face. Or at least he thought it was a frown, it was too far away to tell and there was little point in finding out as Tobias had grabbed his girlfriend and walked away.

Mikhail shrugged inwardly. If Tobias wanted to wig out and avoid Mikhail for fear of him telling his girlfriend what they had did. Which honestly wasn’t much, let him.

He would eventually out himself.

With that barring him from following and pulling the jilted boyfriend card, he turned and headed to his next class.

With school finished for the day, Mikhail headed for the pickup point but was stopped by Tobias.

“We need to talk.” Tobias said.

Mikhail looked at him. “Why?”

“I saw you looking at me earlier.”

“Point being.” Mikhail was getting annoyed.

It was one thing for Sally to want to talk; they had two years worth of friendship behind them. Tobias was a boyfriend of two month, he didn’t have the same luxury.

“Go away. I’m not relly not in the mood.” He had to get going. Cullen had sent him a text saying that mommy dearest was going to be coming over around four. The only time she showed up was when she wanted to criticize.

Could she have heard about the breakup? Impossible. She would have to hear about him dating in the first place. And who would have told him. Cullen? Please. Cullen wanted him to get laid. Markus was an unkown factor. But why would he tell Athena?

Mikhail sighed and started to walk again but was stopped by Tobias grabbing his arm.

“Stop right there, faggot.” Tobias hissed.

Mikhail saw red and struck. The first attack was a backhand that caused Tobias to lose his grip. The second, a short kick that popped Tobias’ knee and made him fall to the ground. Mikhail lost sense of what was happening after that. When he came to, he was shackled to a metal chair and looking into his mother’s eyes.

“What happened?” Athena asked.

“I don’t know. I was trying to get away from Tobias and… that’s it.”

“He’s in the hospital. Along with your best friend, two cops and a slew of other mortals.” Athena shrugged. “I’m impressed you had the restraint not to blow the area up. But you still showed too much power.”

Mikhail looked down.

“With that said, we needed to move anyway.”

Mikhail nodded at his mother and sighed in frustration.

“Mnemosyne has been sent in.” Athena continued. “She’ll think of something.” With a wave of her hand, the chains on Mikhail’s wrists and ankles were unlocked. “We best get going.”

Mikhail gave his mother a small smile in gratitude and followed her out.

 

* * * *

 

Athena was calm in her discussion, which never boded well in the long run. “So let me see if I understand this. You got a boyfriend. Your boyfriend cheated on you, with your best friend, no less.” Athena paused and waited for her son to agree or disagree. He agreed and she continued. “You then proceeded to attack them.”

“But that’s not the case. I tried…” Mikhail trailed to silence when Athena gave him a level stare.

“It doesn’t matter. Pack your belongings; we will be moving by the end of the night.”

Mikhail nodded. He could get behind this move. A new start wouldn’t be so bad.

 

* * * * *

 

Decisions were made; Mikhail didn’t get a vote on them. Athena had ordered them to take up an apartment, saying she was tired of seen an overgrown lawn. She had told all of them, that any use their powers would result in punishment. And the final order was that they would drive to their new home.

 

The drive didn’t take too long, only about three hours but seeing as the house was filled with stuff that neither of his brothers wanted to get rid of or place in their home on Olympus, they didn’t leave until four in the morning.

A problem with the drive was that he had to spend the three hours with Cullen as Markus was driving the truck and didn’t want to deal with either of his siblings.

Mikhail wished that he could have changed Markus’ mind because all Cullen did for the entire trip was make bad jokes at Mikhail’s expense.

Cullen pulled up to the school with a screech. “I know Mom said we can’t use our powers, but Zeus needs to see us.” He said in an offhanded manner. “Your transfers are all ready on file at the school and we will be back to help with unpacking later.”

Mikhail snorted in disbelief. The chances of them going to visit Zeus were slim. They just didn’t want to do any work.

 “I need to find the office. Talk to you later.”  Mikhail got out of the car and asked a passerby where the office was.

 

* * * * *

 

Mikhail grumbled to himself as he shifted a box out of his way.

His brother’s were lazy. They had disappeared for the afternoon and left him to do the unpacking. Sighing, he hefted another box. Turning around he saw two mortals, one male, one female. The male placed his hands on his face and said.

“Oh, my God! I think I am a closet case, because he is too cute. Look at that face, that body and that hair. Oh, there is a God and he sent that angel to be my guiding light!” Kris snorted before she started to laugh uncontrollably. “Not bad, although you could use a little more swooning.”

“I thought he did very well. I especially liked the whole angel part.” Mikhail said and smiled at the pair. “Hi, my names Mikhail, and I'm an angel here to set you on the path to happiness which just happens to start here, goes to the hall, then in my bedroom and will continue on in whatever room I haven't banged you senseless in.”

A Different Angle Part 01 of 02

Warnings of language.

* * * * *

Was it too much to ask for? A gay guy who was actually gay, not gay for pay or straight with a taste for dick? It probably was. Yet Mikhail still wanted it. Mikhail wanted someone who wanted more than sex.

His brothers called him an idiot for wanting so much. It wasn’t so much was it? Seeing as the only thing he could offer a boyfriend was a few awkward gropes that left them both readjusting their pants.

But it wasn’t much seen as comfort was the only thing he could have.

A promise made to his mother Athena saw to that. A promise he wish he could take back. But such promises, made to one as powerful as his mother could not be revoked so easily. Mikhail was unsure if Fate saw to that, but being wary never hurt.

Despite being caught up in his own thoughts, Mikhail could hear the clicking of heels on the linoleum floor coming closer. Turning, he saw his best friend, Sally. He scowled when he remembered. Former best friend.

A classmate had once said that Sally had blown him in the locker room. Why he had told Mikhail that was lost on him, but was quickly rectified when the classmate asked about the status of Mikhail and Sally’s relationship.

Mikhail laughed at his classmate and informed him that they were friends, nothing more.

The classmate, Mikhail thought his name was Jim, produced and odd look on his face as if imagining that a guy and girl could be friends without having sexual relationship.

 

“Mikhail,” Her voice was a bit like a whistle being blown incorrectly. It was a slightly shrilly and often annoying. Mikhail frequently wondered why guys flocked to her and remembered as she took her seat across from him.

The chest. Verging on D level, her cleavage made all guys stare, even Mikhail. But he starred mostly due to his brain trying to figure out how it was possible for such voluminous breast to be able to fit into such a tiny white shirt.

“Can we talk?” She asked.

Mikhail glared at her, his breathing slowing down so he could keep his calm. “Why? You want to tell me how it was? Is he big? Did he make you scream?”

Sally winced at his language, but he did not care, he was still angry and her being next to him was not helping the matter.

“You fucked my boyfriend.”

“I’m sorry about that. But can you blame me?” She arched a perfectly plucked eyebrow. “You weren’t putting out, so he came to me.”

Mikhail felt his face scrunch up at her tone. Since entering their junior year, Mikhail had been trying to defend Sally’s honor with varying results. Some people believed she was easier than a math test where all the problems were addition. While others trusted Mikhail’s judgment and called her a doormat that would do anything the boyfriend wanted. Considering how quickly she burned through boyfriends, it amounted to the same thing. Yet Mikhail was unwavering in his loyalty to his friend. Even when she was accused of stealing someone boyfriend. A fact that wasn’t true as they were still together. Yet the fight had lost Mikhail a friend. And still he was friends with Sally. Now he was on the receiving end and he could see why the offended party was so angry.

To go behind your supposed best friends’ back and have sex with their boyfriend.

Bitch. He thought. “Can you go away? I really don’t want to talk or see you for a while.”

“Mikhail, wait. Please.” She reached across the table and took his hand. “You are my friend. I really don’t want to lose you because of some guy.”

Mikhail sighed in a blend of disgust and the want to forgive her. “Later.” Grabbing his soda, sandwich and backpack, he headed for the exit of the cafeteria.

Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell Book Review

Note: This review contains a spolier if you have yet to read Something Like Summer or Something Like Winter.

 

 

Some books are better than the sum of its prequels. Ok, that didn’t sound as deep as I thought it would, but that’s beside the point. Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell tells the story of Jace. And it is, hands down. my favorite one in the trilogy of Ben, Tim and Jace.

If you have read Something Like Summer or Winter, you know what happens to Jace and that might put you off. It did me. But mostly because I wanted Something Like Spring to be finished before I read it. I have no issues with main characters death.

Hell, I give out five stars for that.

But SLA deserves five stars for many reasons. Reason number one, Jace. Jace was my favorite character from the other books mostly because I see some of myself in him. Don’t get me wrong, I love Ben’s pride and Tim’s arrogance as they add to the characters depth but Jace is the most like me and I love him for it.

The relationship between Jace and his family is reason number two. While Jace’s parents loved him and his sister, they didn’t smoother them like I felt Bens did. They were willing to let their children go out and explore.

Jace’s relationship with his sister was a drastic improvement. I know not all brother-sister relationships are as function as Michelle and Jace’s but I can’t see it happening that you still invite your sister to meet your boyfriend when all she does is spew venom.

Also Jace’s friendships. In Summer/Winter, Tim is a jock and he doesn’t really have friends as much as he is part of a group, and while Ben does have a friend, their relationship seems slightly… brother/sister to me.-As in I love you because your my brother and I will support you.- Jace seems to be the only one at risk for losing his friend.

Reason number three. The way it’s told. Jay is a pro when it comes to retelling the same event over again. He seems to add more details or make it seem less important depending on the POV.

I will conceded that the first few chapters seemed to take a little longer to finish then SLS or SLW but then again, I was getting burned out on fiction without a supernatural or mystery edge to it. There was also my issue with Victor. Like Jace, in SLS I, feel his departure was just so the other characters could get together. I don’t like that feeling. On the other hand, the following scene is one of my favorites in the book.

If I could reread this series with open eyes I’d be torn between reading SLW and SLA first. If I were to start with SLW it would be because I would want to see if I found Tim as big of an ass. But to start with SLA would mean I got to view Jace’s death as a surprise. Either way, SLS would be at the end for the fact of the matter is, Ben is the one who ties the stories together. IMO his is the least important. But then again, these stories can function as standalones.

Overall Something Like Autumn gets a five star rating and ranks as one of my favorite reads of the year.

 

P.S. Im stunned I gave out five stars and it wasn’t even for the death.

Power Draws Power Glossary

The characters of Power Draws Power

 

 

Achilles: Legendary Greek warrior.

Agamemnon: King of Greece. Father of Iphigenia.

Ashia: Mortal, Calvin’s mother.

Aphrodite: Greek goddess of love. Wife of Hephaestus, mother of Cupid. Daughter of Zeus.

Ares: Greek god of war. Son of Zeus and Hera. Artemis: Greek Virgin goddess of the moon, child birth, innocence.

Athena: Greek Goddess of wisdom, war and craft, Mikhail’s, Cullen, Markus mother.

Apollo: Greek sun god. Husband of Cassandra and father of Lear.

Bazil: Original

Brian: Mortal, Son of Ashia.

Calvin: Mortal, 18, son of Ashia.

Cassandra: Greek Immortal, Oracle, wife of Apollo.

Cereubus: Hundred headed immortal dog. Guardian of the entrance to Hades.

Charon: Greek Ferryman. God of the Styx.

Circe: Greek goddess, Sorceress, birth mother of Mikhail.

Cronus: Greek Titan. God of time. Father of the founding Olympian gods.

Cupid: Greek god of love. Father of Eros, husband to Psyche.

Cullen: Greek god of divine wraith, son of Athena.

Cyprus: Original.

Demeter: Greek goddess of vegetation and earth. Mother of Persephone. Founding Olympian god.

Dennis: mortal, age 17, Kris’s ex.

Diana: Artemis’ roman name.

Dionysus: Greek god of wine and excess. Son of Zeus.

Egyptian well of heaven: Has the ability to find anyone and anything on Earth. Doubles as the Scale of Ma`at.

Elders: The heads of Circe’s extended power base.

Elysian Fields: The “heaven” of Hades.

Eros: The immortal baby. Greek god. Son of Cupid and Psyche.

Emilio: Mortal, friend of Kris and Calvin.

Eutropius: Greek god of divorce, Envoy of Hades, 18, Calvin reincarnated.

Founding Olympian: The children of Cronus and Rhea.

Greek well of heaven: Has the ability to find anything and anyone on Earth.

Hades: Greek god of the underworld. Husband of Persephone, Eutropius’s master.  . Founding Olympian.Hades: The name of the Greek underworld.

Haim Thea: The first and most powerful blood goddess.

Hyacinth: Original.

Hephaestus: Greek god of fire, forge and metal craft. Husband of Aphrodite.

Hera: Greek goddess of marriage. Queen of the Olympians. Wife of Zeus. Founding Olympian.

Heru the Younger: Egyptian god. Son of Osiris and Isis. Known as the Avenging son called the Celestial Shadow.

Hestia: Greek virgin goddess of the hearth. Founding Olympian god.

Ian: Mortal.

Iphigenia: Mortal, Princess, Daughter of King Agamemnon. Favored priestess of Artemis.

Isabelle: Mortal, Kris’s little sister.

Isis: Egyptian goddess of magic. Wife of Osiris. Name means “the throne” Mother of Heru.

Joseph: Vampire.

Jupiter: Zeus Roman name.

Kris: Mortal, Best friend of Calvin.

Lear: Greek God. Son of Apollo and Cassandra.

Lisa: Mortal, Kris’s Friend.

Little Jason: Immortal, son of Medea.

Logan: Mortal, Calvin’s friend.

Lotis: Original.

Ma'at: Egyptian goddess of justice, truth and harmony. Holder of the scale of fate. Markus: Greek god justice, son of Athena.

Maze: Original.

Medea: Demi-goddess, Reforming Blood goddess. Mother of Little Jason.

Mikhail: Greek god, 19. Adopted son of Athena, Son of Circe.

Minerva: Athena’s Roman name.

Olivia: Original.

Omar: Mortal, friend of Kris and Calvin.

Original: Persephone’s minions and second attempt at an earth underworld creation. Men with bat wings. Magical and treacherous.

Osiris: Egyptian god of the underworld. Husband of Isis. Name means “he who sees the throne.” Father of Heru.

Patroclus: Lover of Achilles.

Persephone: Greek Goddess, Creator of the Vampires and Originals.

Precious: the first born sons of the Elders. Destined to take their fathers places as Elders and become Circe’s lovers.

Ren: Kris's friend

Saka: Vampire.

Scale of Ma`at: Used to determine if a soul has been virtuous in life. Doubles as the Egyptian well of Heaven.

Tartarus: The “hell” of Hades.

Tiger: Circe’s bodyguard, were-tiger.

Timothy: Vampire.

Vampires: Persephone’s minions.

Zeus: Greek god of justice, oaths, and lighting. King of the Olympian gods. Married to Hera. Founding Olympian god.

PDP CI Circe

Name: Circe

Age: 8000+

Sex: Female

Moto: “I’m ruthless when I need to be.”

Back Info Daughter of a titan, Circe is a sorceress with power enough to rival Zeus and a temper to match his philandering ways. Circe’s powerbase is comprised of the lines that she had originally cursed.

Sanguis City by Morgan Jane Mitchell Book Review

“The End was not a zombie apocalypse but a vampire apolypse.”

My initial reaction to Sanguis City by Morgan Jane Mitchell was ‘oh great another vampire novel.’ But a good promo tag can grab even the reluctant.

Yet, for the first few chapters, my assumption was valid as I couldn’t get into it. It is a first person story and that always makes it late to the race in my opinion. But at chapter four- I think- I started to. Noir started to get interesting to me.

I enjoyed the story as far as it went; a mix of romance, sex and a dash of danger. It was inventive and refreshing twist on the vampire genre. It also added new terms to a stagnate glossary.

My main issue with the novel was the formatting of chapter six. I have a Kindle Fire with a black background, as white was too bright for my tastes. For some reason or another, chapter six wouldn’t show up unless I changed the background color. While it wasn’t a huge problem, it was distracting.

Overall, I truly enjoyed Sanguis City and give it a three out of five with the prequels and the soon to be released sequel added to my ‘to read’ list.

PDP CI Artemis

Name: Artemis

Age:  Old enough to know better, yet I don’t

Sex: Female

Moto: “I understand. I just won’t forgive.”

Back Info: On the outside, Artemis is a carefree goddess and is as everchanging as the moon. Artemis is the twin sister to Apollo, daughter of Zeus and the titaness, Leto. Best friend to Circe, she will do anything for a friend. Artemis  is an empath, goddess of the moon and childbirth, and a notorious sugar fiend.

PDP CI: Calvin

Name: Calvin

Age: 18

Sex: Male

Moto: “I’m not one to deny what I want.”

Back Info: The second and favorite son Ashia. Pragmatic to an unnerving degree, he is best friends with Kris and is often at her place trying to keep her from killing the monsters aka her cousins.

PDP CI: Mikhail

Name: Mikhail

Age: 18

Sex: Male

Moto: “I have stupidity issues and a lack of patience for said stupidity.”

Back Info: The youngest son of Athena. Quick witted and even quicker to anger, Mikhail has jealousy issues stemming from his ex and his destiny of taking Athena’s place on the Pantheon as the virgin god of war strategy, wisdom and crafts.

New Character: Jarrod

Me *making lunch*
Jarrod: psst. PSST. HEY!
Me *ignores Jarrod*
Jarrod: I needs to get laid.
Me *chops apple*
Jarrod: Get me a girl.
Me: You're gay.
Jarrod: I aint touching no dick.

Jarrod, a homophobic asshole.

PDP CI: Kris

Name: Kris

Age: 17

Sex: Female

Moto: “Is crack addictive”

Back Info: Despite being the middle child, Kris acts like the oldest and a parent. Her older brother is in rehab. Her parents are always at work and she often babysits her cousins'. Calvin is her best friend and they have known each other since the sand box, if not longer. Calvin is like a brother to her and spends more time at his apartment then her own.

Power Draws Power Prologue

This is the prologue that can be found in the Power Draws Power novel.

Seventeen years ago

In the aftermath of the impromptu reunion, Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, sat alone in the throne room. His chin propped on his right fist, he thought. The sound of the doors opening brought Zeus of his brooding. The person who walked in was a woman with long black hair and eyes that showed more wisdom then a thousand sages. In her hands was a baby whose soft breathing was the only sound in the room.

"Father," She spoke as she turned the baby around.

"Athena," Nodding, he looked at the infant in her arms. "Is that him?"

"Yes."

"What of Circe?"

Athena looked at the baby in her hands, then at her father. "She will hunt for him. The others will be distracted,"

"Very good." Zeus straightened his posture in his throne chair.

"Has Hephaestus completed his assignment?"

She nodded and held out a necklace. "This will prevent him from doing what the others have done."

"Compulsion?" He asked.

Athena shrugged, her attention diverted. "Something close enough to that. I was more focused on trying to find a way to hide my signature from Circe."

"And you found a way?" Zeus asked to which Athena nodded.

"I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t. Without that as proof, she will suspect."

"Use your other children to cripple her base of power."

"Of course."

Zeus looked at his daughter. "Is something wrong?"

Athena shook her head then nodded. "Are you sure this is the best course of action?"

Zeus sighed. "It is the only one available to us. We have put our lives into this."

"They will never forgive us for this."

"They can only be angry if they find out." Zeus looked at his beloved daughter. "They will not find out."

Athena sighed and coddled the child.

"Now, now. Don’t be like that." He wrapped his arms around Athena in an attempt to comfort her.

"Dad, I don’t want to do this anymore." Athena said.

"I know darling, I know. Just hold out for eighteen more years."

"Can we do it sooner?" Athena asked, hope showing in her eyes.

"No. This one needs to know of mortals. If we could bind his powers, I would do that as well."

"We can’t. The necklace."

Zeus nodded. "I know."

"Eighteen years?"

"Eighteen."

With a sigh of defeat, she looked at her father with tired eyes. "I will return in a week."

"Be safe." Zeus said.

"You as well." With one last look at her father, she departed.

The room was once again silent and Zeus was about to retire for the evening but he heard whispers.

"You would be better off killing him." A trio of voices said.

"What! I did not call for you." He shouted as the trio laughed.

"We do not bow to you." They said as one. "We are the Fates. We come and do as we please."

"Then why are you here?"Due to his back being turned, Zeus couldn’t see them, due to his back being turned, and he knew that if he were to turnned around, they would just disappear, leaving him to wonder why the even came. and he would learn nothing that evening. Fate crept up when one was lest expecting it and always stayed beyond, and behind it's victim. To try and change that annoyed the trio of goddesses.

"That one will talk to Oblivion." Clotho, the spinner of life, spoke.

"He will desire the one of Shadow’s blood." Lachesis, the measure of life, continued.

"He will love the heir of the forgotten world." Atropos, the ender of life, finished. "You would be better off killing him."

Zeus heard the Fate's laughter as he walked out of the room.

Oblivion can wait. It is destruction I’m concerned about. That child. That Mikhail. He is our final hope. There is no more time. Eighteen years, if I could only waive my hand and make the time pass in an instant. But I can’t. I must prepare for Athena’s return. The rumors of her pregnancy have spread.

Zeus sighed. I have ruined her reputation to keep this secret. "I’m sorry my Owl. Eighteen years. That is it. Soon we will be safe."

* * * * *

Circe stood over an empty crib, her hands shaking. The walls were warped as if they were straight out of a Picasso painting. The heat in the room would have been unbearable for anyone less than then the goddess generating it. Circe stood over her son’s melting crib, her hands shaking in fear and rage.

My son, where is my son? She thought, as the walls started to smoke.

"Artemis!" She screeched.

"Circle girl!" Artemis appeared in a flash of light. "What’s wrong? Did the baby spit up on your new dress?" Artemis’s smile disappeared as she looked at the smoking walls and an extremely angry Circe, "Where is my godson?"

"Missing." Circe’s chest heaved as she said the word. Gone.

Artemis’s closed her eyes as she felt the room’s energy. "Either the heat you are generating is messing up my senses or a demon was here. I can’t feel the presence of anyone other than you and the baby."

Circe looked at Artemis. "A demon took my child?" Fear reached to her very core. Thanks to the seventeenth Crusade, Demons were rarity on Earth; the few that still walked the mortal plane only had to eat once every fifty years or so. And that was a good thing since their diet consisted of younglings.

"Not necessarily, but they have the ability to cloak their power, even from me."

"I’m talking to your father." Circe said swiftly as she made her way out of the room. "If a demon has taken my child, I’m going to demand a purge."

"Circe, wait!" Artemis cried out, taking a step forward as to close the distance between them.

Circe stopped and started to scream. "They are dead. The Elders are dead." Crumpling to the floor, she sobbed. The Elders were the foundations of Circe’s extended power base, and with their deaths, Circe would be temporally unable to teleport or use a bulk of her god powers.

Artemis walked up to Circe and sat with her.

This isn’t good. Artemis thought. First Mikhail, now her powerbase. What is going on?

Power Draws Power Cut Scene 04 Beginning of Chapter Three

Cullen and Markus looked at each other with a tired determination as they walked up to the door of the small two bedroom home. Athena’s intel had said that the last family of were-hogs lived there. The were-hog line was one of the oldest lines of Circe’s powerbase. With the death of them, Circe would be crippled, for a very long time.

“You ready for this?” Markus asked Cullen.

“Honestly? I’m never ready for murder.”

Markus nodded. He could relate. “But what mother wants.”

“She gets.” Cullen finished and touched the charm braclet on his wrist.

“The bracelets will allow us to use the full extent of our powers.” Markus twisted his bracelet.

“Small favors. We wont have to hear them scream.” Cullen shivered as he remembered the family reunion a group of were-lions had back in Greece fifty years ago. At that time, the bracelets that allowed them to keep their full powers in a mortals home, weren’t complete and they had no choice but to use swords. The screams the children made gave him nightmares for the better part of two decades.

Markus nodded and blinked hard.

“Do you want to knock or just blitz them?”

“Blitz please.” Cullen rubbed his eyes, trying to forget when they came in the guise of curtosey and then butchered the entire family.

Some lies just shouldn’t be practiced. “Couldn’t we just burn the place down?”

“You know that would leave to strong a trail for Circe to follow.”

“That’s only if we start it. But if we use good old fashion gas and a match….”

Markus shook his head. “We would have to leave. Fire attracts people.”

Cullen nodded glumly, touched the gun on his hip and said. “Let’s get this over with.”

Bonds of Blood by Andrew Ashling Book Revew

At the beginning of the trilogy, the narrator had promised the tale of a prince brought low. Bonds of Blood is the conclusion to the trilogy and it doesn’t disappoint. The invasion of the Northern Marches from the Mukthatr is at hand and the characters prepare for battle. If you have read this far, then you’re like me and don’t care about that part, you care about what happens to Tarno and Anaxtis. Because I don’t give out spoilers, I won’t say what happens. But I have to say I’m slightly disappointed on how it ends. It wasn’t a bad ending but it seemed slightly too happy, as if everything that happened for the past two books didn’t bring a prince lower then a dog only to let him return to a man as quick as you may.

Either then that slight irritant, like the other two books I enjoyed the read and it gives a four out of five.

Bonds of Fear by Andrew Ashling Book Review

Book two of the Invisible Chain picks up where book one ends. Ehander has relinquished his title of prince and given himself to the mercies of his younger brother, a dumb idea considering what he did in the previous book. But what can I say? Some people are a slave for love, while others its master. New characters are introduced and threat to the Northern Marches becomes imminent as a group of young Mukthar is captured.

One of the things I like most about this series is the fact that the characters keep evolving -or devolving in some cases- and that the idea that everything comes with a price continues.

With a four out of five, this is an excellent continuation of the Invisible Hands series.

Bonds of Hate by Andrew Ashling Book Review

Ignoring the part where the narrator of the story is a perverted old man and the price for his tales is absurd, book one of the Invisible Chains, Bonds of Hate, is a good read. It tells the tale of the two youngest princes of Ximerion, Ehander and Anaxantis, and their trip to the Northern Marches.

Here is where I stop and say that this is a story not meant for everyone as it contains taboos -incest, rape, bondage, etc, etc.

But putting that to the side, as I am a fan of stories that break taboos and make them commonplace, I will continue on by saying that the characters are fleshed out and you care about them. When you can feel sympathy for the villain, when not three chapters ago, he was using the hero as a urinal, you have something special.

Bonds of Hate also had a great tone that melded well with my favorite album for repeat of the time–AB III. At certain points, the tracks and chapters synched up perfectly. As I rarely read and listen to music in tandem, it freaked me out.

Overall, Bonds of Hate is a great beginning to a trilogy.

Bonds of Hate receives a four out of five.

Power Draws Power Cut Scene 03 End of Chapter Seventeen

Warm water rushed down Eutropius’ body, rinsing the feel and stink of death off his body. He heard the light pounding of Mikhail’s fist on the door and a fond smile crossed his face. He was interesting. Anytime they managed to be alone, he got all nervous. He remembered the first time they were alone, Eutropius wasn’t trying to get Mikhail naked, just shirtless. The removal of the shirt was easy enough; Mikhail seemed eager to assist and reciprocating the favor. But once that happened, Mikhail proceeded to become shy.

His face got flushed and he covered his erection. It was adorable.

A twitch at groan level had Eutropius discouraging such thoughts.

Better finish up. Eutropius thought and grabbed the soap.

Power Draws Power Alternate Version of the Prologue

This is another version of the prologue of PDP. It's actually the version I wanted to put in the book, but I misplaced it.

* * * * *

Olympus. The abode of the Greek gods. It is a place of beauty and power. Zeus is their king and Hera, their eternal queen.

Legend and prophecy fuel their paranoia.

Zeus sits on his throne remembering the words Fate spoke. “When light and dark meet on equal footing their power will draw power and the imprisoned force will be unleashed.

His father’s words pulse in the back of his mind. Alone, they make no sense, but couple with the prophecy made by the Fates, it promises a return and the death of his entire race. Zeus can’t, no won’t let that happen.

The feeling of cool confidence washes over him as his favorite daughter, Athena appears before him; a child in her arms.

“It is done father.” She says crisply.

Zeus nods and rises from his throne to take the child from Athena.

“She won’t be happy about this.”

“Let her be angry. It will cloud her judgment. We will need that.”

Athena nods. “I have no love for the woman … still.”

Zeus stops rocking the child and looked at his. “You know why we do this. Don’t forget it.”

“Never father.” She stiffened her pose.

“Please don’t do that.” He said softly. He hates it when she goes professional when they are alone.

She relaxes, if only a fraction. “What shall we do now?”

“Come back with him tomorrow and we will make the announcement.”

Athena nods and leaves.

Alone in the throne room, Zeus says softly, “Just eighteen more years until peace returns.” With a brief nod he finishes, “So be it.”

Power Draws Power Cut Scene 02 Eutropius and Mikhail

Warnings: Naughty in nature, cursing

Scene Missing from chapter thirty-five/ chapter thirty-six

 

Hands ghosted over Mikhail’s back as they found their way under his shirt. A gasp came from his throat as the hands dared to go lower.

“You have a nice ass.” Eutropius commented as he gave it a firm squeeze.

Mikhail groaned and pushed himself into his boyfriend.

“Fuck.”

“That would work better if we were naked.” Eutropius nipped Mikhail’s neck, and started to remove his boxers.

“Wait,” Mikhail said.

Eutropius hummed and started to move a hand to the front of Mikhail’s body.

“Stop,” He ordered, doing his best not to buck into the hand that had found itself around his erection.

“You’re all hard and leaking.”

“Cake.” Mikhail managed to gasp out.

“It does look sweet.” Eutropius smiled and bent over to try to take it into his mouth.

“I have to check the cake in the oven.” He managed to grab his boxers before fleeing the bedroom.

Power Draws Power Cut Scene 01 Artemis Prior to Prologue

Poetry in motion wasn’t the proper words to describe her movements. But in some odd way, it fit. Her movements weren’t graceful, by any definition of the word, but eyes were glued to her nonetheless. It could be her hair and its ability to defy gravity in its movements or it could be due to the fact that she had knocked three people to the ground when she hit the dance floor. It could even be the knowledge that she was the immortal Greek goddess of the moon, purity, and childbirth. Either way, everyone was watching Artemis and that made her smile.

She enjoyed being watched when it was on her term. It had to be on her terms. A few people called her a control freak, she called herself a trail blazer and them, baby ducks. They were so cute the way they followed their mother-conformity- around.

When the song ended, Artemis headed back to the bar to order a drink but one was already presented to her. When she raised an eyebrow, the bartender nodded in the direction of a young man who was looking at her intently.

Artemis rolled her eyes and put the drink back on the bar without taking a sip. The man looked surprised as if it wasn’t everyday that a woman refused a drink from him. After taking a look at his face, which was handsome, she decided it wasn’t.

She couldn’t be bothered with consoling his poor inflated ego. She had places to go. Well not originally, but after Mr. Handsome, she wanted to see her best-friend, Circe and her newborn son. Maybe she would take them to the park. The baby would love it. Circe wouldn’t. She hated Nightlight, a park in the sky that only gods could reach. She said it was too much. This, coming from goddess, whose power base came from turning men into their inner animals just for violating her property, Artemis laughed. Circe was something else.

With a smile on her face, Artemis teleported to Circe’s place.

Power Draws Power Cut Scenes

So if I haven't said it yet, my first novel, Power Draws Power has been published. And in honor of the momentous occasion, I will be posting the cut scenes from the book.

Frost Arch by Kate Bloomfield Book Review

The reason why I clicked onto the link for Frost Arch, book one of the Fire Mage Trilogy, by Kate Bloomfield was originally due to the cover. It was dark and a bit edgy.  The reason why I bought it? The blurb. Sci-fy meets fantasy. A post apocalyptic world that had me thinking off Fallout and FF at certain times.

The stories MC, Avalon is a fire mage who can’t control her powers and runs away from home due to the fear that the family secret would be revealed. From there, the story deepens she gets a winged fox for a pet and befriends the local healer and is stalked by a person who is said to bring death.

Frost Arch is one of my favorite reads of this year for many reasons: the characterization, the fact that I don’t get the characters confused and the cover. But I am not saying that it is a perfect book. Like a lot of ebooks, the editing leaves much to be desired. But I can deal with bad grammar and fragments. It is a first person story; say it is done of purpose to show that the character isn’t the smartest bulb in the building. One thing I can’t stand is the fact she destroyed the entire tire of power she created. “I don’t think levels exist anymore.”

I’m sorry, but earlier in the story Avalon is credited as a level five fire mage yet stunted in a way. Then later, she kicks the butt of one of the most powerful mages around and has the nerve to say levels don’t exist anymore. That is just wrong. I can deal with the blurb only being partially worked into the story- she mentions human slavery and readers get the idea that this could be a revolution story- it keeps me on my guessing- and expecting a sequel-, but removing a tier of power in a story where it plays a key role tends to make me want to dock a full star.

Nevertheless, kudos goes out for a great debut novel from a talent that I look forward to reading in the future.

 

Frost Arch recieves a three out of five.

 

P.S. This story reads like a young adult. I hate reviewing young adult novels. They cause good reviews to turn into rants... I’ll post that later…maybe.

Review System

To show how I grade books for reviews.

Solo books, sequels and trilogies one to five:

One: The only way to get this rating is if the story makes no sense. Grammar is atrocious; fragments are as common as the lack of periods. Don’t know how it was published. This is rarely given. One star is preferred over the two stars.

Two: Below average. The star that makes me regrets picking up the book. Less favored then the one star review.

Three: Average. Also given if idea is strong and I can see where they were headed.

Four: One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Five: The unattainable. The only way to get a five star review is if you break taboos* or make the entire read pointless. I.E. dream sequence. A five can also be given if you kill off the main character. **In rare cases, you exceed my expectations. This one is rarely given.

*excludes fantasies and science-fiction

**Given for sequels and trilogies

Series review one to five: I consider a series to be more than three books. Sequels and trilogies get the individual ratting system. This rating system doesn’t start until book half way through book two.  

One: Must have been a favor to read this far. Not as good as the first one. Series is dropped.

Two: Good. Will read book three but only give it four chapters.

Three: Great. Keep them coming.

Four: As good as the previous, possibly better. Eagerly awaiting the next book

Five: Perfection in my eyes. Can only be given after the entire series is complete.

Author review one to five:

One: Must have been a favor to pick up another book

Two: Good

Three: Great. Fantastic,

Four: One of my favorite authors. Eagerly awaiting the next book

Five: God in my eyes. Can’t do any wrong. Everything they do is perfect. If defecating a masterpiece was in the realm of possibility, they could do it.

Given upon death of writer and after I’ve read at least three quarters of their entire work in any genre. It can only be awarded if half of the read material is four stars and the rest three.

B. Quick by C.S. Laurel Book Review

B. Quick by C.S. Laurel is quite possibly the first book I ever bought on my kindle. I know for a fact it is the first mystery book I bought.  But that is beside the point. What starts out as a drunken drive home, leads to a dead body.

William Yeats–no not that one, this one is a professor at the local college who came out late in life with money from his father that keeps his job and ex-wife happy and secure- is the character who we get to spend good old fashion head time with as it is a first person story. Taking into account how many times I chuckled, Yeats is a comic. He also has a thing for blonds.  More specifically: the blond in his creative writing class. B. Quick is his pen name and after the introduction of Brian, the word “blond” has to pop up at least one time on every page and if it doesn’t, three times on another to make up for it.

 The mystery of the story wasn’t that hard to figure out. I wasn’t Scooby Doo easy- the first person you meet other then the main character- but it was simple. If you want to read a hard boiled mystery, this isn’t the book for you. However, if you want a mystery with humor, romance and characters you like, this might just be your cup of tea.

Something Like Winter by Jay Bell Book Review

There is a talent in being able to tell the same story twice. Something Like Winter by Jay Bell tells the story of Ben and Tim from Tims POV. Despite it being the same story being told. It still manages to hold interest as we get to see Tim’s perspective on events.

One of my favorite parts was when Tim was in college, it was one of the first time I really felt for him. It was also the only time Ben’s point of view wasn’t nagging.

Overall, SLW holds its own when placed against SLS. If I could reread the two books for the first time and start with Winter, I would. Why? To see if I would find Tim as big of a ass.

Something Like Winter is a four out of five.

P.S. A-hole characters are still good characters

Something Like Summer by Jay Bell Book Review

I’m a sucker for a good deal and a pretty cover. And while Something Like Summer cover wasn’t the prettiest in the world, it was a buck and I knew I liked the author from a previous read.

Something Like Summer by Jay Bell tells the story of Ben and Time over the span of several decades, starting in high school ending in their late twenties. It is firmly set in Ben’s POV.

One of the many things I like about this book is the contrast between the characters. For example, Ben is out and proud. Maybe a little too proud, but it’s a good trait to have, maybe necessary as he would seem too much like a bitch without it. While Tim, on the other hand, is closeted and kind of an ass.

One of the things I didn’t is that Ben kept coming back to Tim.

I do my best to avoid spoilers so I won’t go any further then to say I enjoyed this book and happily bought the sequel.

Something Like Summer receives a three and a half out of five.

The Fall by David L. Dawson Book Review

The Fall by David L. Dawson tells the story of a coming of age boy and his return from the outside due to his rite of passage. This is another story I read a month ago, but it stuck with me. Two gods war with each other and their conflict is what caused the end of civilization as we know it. A group called the god slayers seek to reclaim a weapon capable of killing the gods. This story is told third person with Ben being the main character. A fourteen year old boy destined to be the mayor when his father passes away. Like most boys of that age, he is starting to develop… well… ok he has a crush on his best friend’s older brother. There is no other way to put it. And worse yet, it was that blunt in the story too.

I realized halfway through the story, that it was meant for young adults and I was disappointed. This is the type of story that was made for an older market. On Amazon, it says suitable for twelve and older. I have issues with that. A story that is meant for a twelve year old won’t hold the interest of an eighteen year old. There are exceptions, but if it is a series and it gets progressively darker as it goes.

Let’s get this out of the way, I don’t like young adult. Sure, my first novel is young adult oriented, but it is meant for the older market: fifteen and such. Any book meant for someone under fifteen, I can’t stand. I couldn’t even stand them when I was those ages. The Fall by David L. Dawson is a young adult novel meant for young adults starting at the age of twelve and going upward. Ok, what! Twelve and up is a huge chasm of time. The way I look at it, from the age of twelve to the age of eighteen, many things change. You start cussing more, sex happens and you are more than likely going to see someone in your family die and have to fully process that event. To write a book and market it towards half a decade or more is a difficult feat, to market a book for preteens and expect teenagers to read it is next to impossible. The only way it could be done -IMO- is with angst and dark themes. The Fall has dark themes, but it is tempered so the preteens can enjoy.

I’m sorry, but your main character is gay, you have two gods fighting it out, destroying land masses and civilization. And you mention his first time ejaculating. You have all the workings of a fantastic fifteen and up young adult novel.

My ranting aside, and the three star rating, the overall plot of the story was worth the read and I do look forward to the sequel.