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!