Red Blood, Yellow Skin by Linda L.T. Baer

Red Blood, Yellow Skin by Linda L.T. Baer

Publisher: River Grove Books (June 2015)

343 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Violence and Sexual Situations

This is a memoir of a young Vietnamese woman’s experience during the hostilities between France and Vietnam, then later between North and South Vietnam. Loan’s father was killed during the hostilities when she was very young, and after her mother remarried, her family was constantly on the move trying to escape the war-torn areas, while struggling to find enough food. Loan eventually sets off on her own to relieve her family of another mouth to feed and heads to Saigon looking for work, at the age of 13. Loan describes a harsh, yet simple existence in the countryside as a youth prone to getting in trouble, and a corrupt, chaotic lifestyle she was drawn into in the big city of Saigon. Very interesting to read from a Vietnamese point-of-view about a time period that we usually only hear from the American GI that was stationed there. Easy read, not overly encumbered by statistics or political history, but very focused on the story of a people caught in the middle of someone else’s fight.

The Mud Dance by Neil Grimmett

The Mud Dance by Neil Grimmett

Publisher: Peach Publishing (June 2016)

191 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Sexual Situations, and Violence

Kenny and Larry met at school as young men, and the friendship they forged led to their lives being inextricably linked from then on, as they attempted to make it in the 1970’s heyday of the music business. In many ways, this is the story of the making of a washed-up rock musician, told in all its gritty glory. This isn’t an uplifting or overly hopeful story, but there is something to be said for realism—no glamorization here. Kenny was a very likable narrator, and I often felt he was the victim of bad surroundings and worse company more than anything else. Larry was a sociopathic, brooding musical prodigy of sorts, with a charisma that made him even more dangerous. Interesting story, full of colorful characters. Definitely gives you a little peek into the life of a struggling rock musician, as fame comes and goes, and they come to find their goals and motivations change along the way.

Divergent Lives by Minnie Lahongrais

Divergent Lives by Minnie Lahongrais

Publisher: Lahongrais Books (December 2012)

318 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence, and Sexual Situations

This is the story of two twins, separated at birth and raised in different households. Adina and Rhys both grow up to be disturbing people and we follow them as they do disturbing things, culminating in their lives intersecting to the detriment of all. The forward and backward organization of this story was a little jarring a first, you are constantly switching between storylines, and past and present, but once you get the rhythm it was a nice way of slowly revealing what led up to the events at the beginning of the story. This story is fairly dark and does include some taboo elements, which may not be for everyone, but I felt it was very well-written and vibrantly portrayed a variety of people with psychological problems (the two main characters weren’t the only ones with problems here). Very engaging read!

Stolen Years by Kazia Myers

Stolen Years by Kazia Myers

Publisher: Matador (June 2016)

394 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence, and Mild Sexual Situations

At seventeen, Anna is among the Polish youth that are rounded up in 1940 and sent to live on farms to provide labor in order to supply German forces with food. Luckily she is assigned to the same farm as her older brother’s three friends: Michal, Franek and Staszek. They arrive thinking with optimism that they can put by a bit of money then pursue their dreams, but in reality their new existence is harsh, uncompromising, bleak, of indeterminable length and they are little more than slaves. There are frequent episodes of German brutality, committed both by the Gestapo and their overseers at the farms. A great story of friendship and human endurance, as well as a reminder that a great many people suffered under the Nazis and we shouldn’t forget them or what they went through. Toward the end I felt a sense of fatigue that no matter where they went bad things just kept piling on top of them and they had to continue to muddle through, but I’m sure that is how it was. The ending wasn’t particularly happy, but I was almost grateful that after all they suffered, the ending wasn’t rose-colored or glamorized. Great characters, and a very engaging read!

Risuko by David Kudler

Risuko by David Kudler

Seasons of the Sword Series, Book 1

Publisher: Stillpoint Digital Press (June 2016)

230 pages, eBook (provided by the Publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Very Mild Sexual References

Kano Murasaki is a young girl most at home when climbing, so she is called Risuko (Squirrel). She finds herself unexpectedly sold one day by her mother to a woman who wants to train her to be something special—something called a Kunoichi. Beautiful story that captures both the innocence of youth and the grace of the Japanese culture. So many complex and interesting characters. Risuko, herself, is just starting to come into her abilities in this story and I thought it was interesting to see her struggling with the expectations that people have for her, both immediately and in the future. She perhaps isn’t always a strong heroine, but I think a realistic one—fears, faults and all. Very engaging story and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Bright Eyes! Hope to see it out soon!

The Possessed by Evan Ronan

The Possessed by Evan Ronan

The Unearthed (Eddie McCloskey) Series, Book 7

Publisher: Calhoun Publishing (June 2016)

295 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing , Violence and Mild Sexual References

This time around, Eddie is called in by a guy who has been accused of murder by a psychic who claims to have communicated with the person that was killed. Eddie’s got his friend, Stan, along for the ride with him on this one, and I really liked the interplay between those two characters, it reminded me of the camaraderie between Eddie and his brother, Tim, at the beginning of the series. It was nice that Eddie didn’t have to go it alone this time, poor guy. Lots of interesting twists as you try to figure out how all the people involved are connected, and which if any are possessed. Great, fast-paced read! I hope Eddie gets one last adventure to kind of wrap up the series and put some closure on his brother Tim’s death. Entertaining series!

The Rebel and the Runaway by Chris Thorndycroft

The Rebel and the Runaway by Chris Thorndycroft

Publisher: Chris Thorndycroft (February 2016)

237 pages, eBook (provided by the author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Situations

When a youthful indiscretion has unintended consequences, Alice runs away from home at 15, naively hoping to make a life with the boy she thought loved her, only to find herself amongst smugglers and the trouble that follows them. Interesting tale of smuggling in 1740’s England, that describes how a comparatively innocent crime snowballed into something much worse, raising the stakes for all involved. The telling revolves, for the most part, around the romance between Alice and Will Carter (one of the main figures in the smugglers’ gang), Alice’s viewpoint of the events being a nice vehicle for the novice to this little known bit of history. It got a little dry at times, and perhaps could have used a little less historical detail at certain junctures, but overall is a very smooth read. Adventurous story, with some complex and interesting characters. I found myself thinking about the characters and the situations they found themselves in, long after I finished the book. Good read!

Hope by Rosy Stewart

Hope by Rosy Stewart

Publisher: Cricket International (February 2016)

130 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

This is a collection of stories about Sue, a woman that runs a women’s shelter, and recounts her attempts to help the women she encounters through her association with the shelter. In many cases Sue feels there isn’t enough being done to help the people in question, and she ends up enlisting the help of a couple friends (a female police officer, and a tech specialist) in an attempt to work outside official channels in order to see more progress being made toward a satisfying conclusion. There are eleven stories, all quite short, and could easily be read in short daily doses. Great stories of women or families in crisis that receive help and gain a chance at a better future. Engaging collection.

The Basquiat Bounce by Chris Murphy

The Basquiat Bounce by Chris Murphy

Publisher: CJM Publishing (October 2015)

227 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

After a successful contemporary art show,  the demoralized artist commits suicide sending the price of his remaining works skyrocketing, and not only that but his masterpiece appears to be missing, leaving many scrambling to find it. This story started out a little slow and there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but once you got past that, it was a really good story. The missing painting brings together the most unlikely bunch of quirky people, and I liked the way their individual stories intertwined so intricately. Great story about both the beauty and absurdity of modern art.

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (February 2016)

240 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Mild Swearing and Implied Sexual Situations

Four teenagers face hardship and challenges that will change them forever, as they describe their lives in 1970’s Alaska. The story alternates between the four (Ruth, Dora, Hank & Alyce) as their stories move along until they all converge near the end. Moving, poetic prose that breathes life into a past era of Alaskan life, that many from the “Outside” would never have otherwise known about. Great story that deals with real teenage issues in an authentic way, not shying away from the nitty-gritty of reality. Definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso by Kali Nicole Gross

Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso by Kali Nicole Gross

Publisher: Oxford University Press (December 2015)

230 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is the story of a murder that took place in Philadelphia in 1887, and the disembodied torso that was found afterwards leading to an investigation and the arrest of two people. The story is largely told through newspaper articles and police reports from the time. It is likely that no one will ever really know what took place here, but you get enough of the story to speculate, and maybe even make an educated guess (the author relays their own opinion of the events at the end of the text). Interesting analysis of the effects of race on the outcome of the investigation and criminal trial of the two suspects, focusing quite extensively on the degree to which the ability to “pass” as white helped or hindered those involved (the conclusions not being what I would have expected). Interesting, but perhaps a bit dry at times.

Breaking Wild by Diane Les Becquets

Breaking Wild by Diane Les Becquets

Publisher: Berkley (February 2016)

320 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Situations

This is the story of two women. Amy Raye is an elk hunter who goes missing after she wanders off on her own, and Pru is a ranger with a search and rescue dog who becomes determined to find out what happened to the missing woman. Much of the story is detailed descriptions of the hunt and Amy Raye’s efforts at survival. I perhaps could have done with a little less of the hunting, for my own taste, but then again a hunter may find it more of interest than I did. Amy Raye and Pru are both struggling with internal matters as they move along and it was interesting to see how they were at times parallel in their thinking, especially with the affect the grandeur of nature had on each of them. Interesting, contemplative read.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Publisher: Riverhead Books (September 2015)

285 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $11.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is a book about artistic inspiration and perseverance. Many of the anecdotes, and much of the advice, pertain specifically to writing (as this was indeed written by an author), but they could very easily be applied to any artistic endeavor. The exploration of past ideas regarding artistic greatness or failure were of particular interest and help to me in giving me a fresh outlook in approaching my own writing. The text can be a bit repetitious at times, particularly toward the end, but not annoyingly so. Great resource for anyone who is in an artistic rut, or looking to re-inject some joy into their artistic pursuits. Inspiring read!

The Dream Machine by Evan Ronan

The Dream Machine by Evan Ronan

The Unearthed (Eddie McCloskey) Series, Book 6

Publisher: Calhoun Publishing (February 2016)

295 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing , Violence and Sexual Situations

After getting wind of a girl that can possibly foretell crimes in her dreams, Eddie is brought in by the Feds to help with their investigation. No ghosts this time around, but Eddie delves into the paranormally eerie world of dreams. This series never disappoints with regard to the action/adventure part of the story—as always, this was fast-paced, riveting and kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Eddie is woefully undertrained and unprepared for many of the situations in which he finds himself during this federal investigation, but it is interesting (and at times amusing) to see an average Joe like him muddle through it. (Reminded me a bit of some of the later books in the Odd Thomas series) I could have done with a little less drama from Eddie’s lady love, but it seems the poor guy’s lot in life—might as well pile it on. Great story and I’m excited to see where Eddie will find himself next!

A Love Most Dangerous by Martin Lake

A Love Most Dangerous by Martin Lake

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (January 2015)

354 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $1.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Assault

This is the story of Alice Petherton, in which we follow her rise from Maid of Honor to mistress of King Henry VIII. Alice is a fictional mistress of the King, but there are enough historical figures that surround her to make her seem entirely believable as fact. Alice’s internal struggles are one of the most interesting aspects of this story. Her desire to be admired and gain a position of power is constantly in contrast with her fear of the King’s fickleness and, at times, a disgust of her own actions. Engaging read with a host of complex characters. This story is followed by a sequel entitled Very Like a Queen.

Very Like a Queen by Martin Lake

Very Like a Queen by Martin Lake

Sequel to A Love Most Dangerous

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (January 2016)

402 pages, eBook (provided by publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Situations

This is the story of Alice Petherton, a fictional mistress of King Henry VIII, and follows her life as she comes in and out of the King’s favor with his ever changing moods. I started this book unknowing that it was a sequel, but fortunately it is very easily read as a standalone. Having read and enjoyed both Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies (Hilary Mantel), it was easy to move straight into this story, because there were so many familiar characters and it was so well researched that despite the main character being fictional, it felt like a continuation of Mantel’s stories. Gripping story, with wonderfully complex characters depicted in a vibrant setting. It was a nice mix of history and fiction. Great read, and I’m very interested to read the first volume, A Love Most Dangerous!