Daughter of Time: A Time Travel Romance by Sarah Woodbury

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
Posted in: Romance. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

DOTOriginal review posted Friday, June 8, 2012

Description: A medieval man with an uncertain destiny, Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales, faces treachery and deceit at the hands of friends and foes alike

A modern woman with a troubled past, Meg’s life is in tatters when she slips through time and into medieval Wales …

Only by working together can Meg and Llywelyn navigate the shifting allegiances that threaten the very existence of Wales–and create their own history that defies the laws of time.

Review 3 of 5 Stars

This one was a mixed bag for me. I mostly read science fiction, fantasy, random science books and a mystery here or there, but time travel romances are my very occasional guilty pleasure. I’m a history nut and given that I was in the middle of a physics book it seemed like a good time for a little light reading on the side. So, I picked up Daughter of Time: A Time Travel Romance which is a prequel to the After Cilmeri series by Sarah Woodbury on a free promotion along with a couple of others to see if I could find one to read. This was definitely the best of the lot, didn’t get deleted after the first two pages (as did the others), and I finished it without any problem. I mean it is what it is, but it wasn’t bad for light reading of the time travel romance variety and I’m rating it with those things in mind. So I’m giving it a 3 because the history was interesting, language problems were explained and that sort of thing. There was no great explanation for the actual time travel, but sometimes that’s better. If you sit down to read a time travel romance and expect too much then you’re likely to be disappointed. It’s something to take with a grain of salt and with that in mind (as I hovered between a 2 or 3 for the ranking), I decided on the 3 because it was basically enjoyable and it was free. There were some problems with the story line where it made me pause, but not so bad that I had to shut it and run away. I won’t be reading it again, but some of it was really interesting and it was just barely a romance; very light compared to many out there and nothing graphic (pretty safe all the way around).

First Shift – Legacy (Part 6 of the Silo Series) (Wool) by Hugh Howey

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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FirstShift_LegacyOriginal review posted Sunday, June 3, 2012

Description: In 2007, the Center for Automation in Nanobiotech (CAN) outlined the hardware and software platform that would one day allow robots smaller than human cells to make medical diagnoses, conduct repairs, and even self-propagate.

In the same year, the CBS network re-aired a program about the effects of propranolol on sufferers of extreme trauma. A simple pill, it had been discovered, could wipe out the memory of any traumatic event.

At almost the same moment in humanity’s broad history, mankind had discovered the means for bringing about its utter downfall. And the ability to forget it ever happened.

Review: 4 of 5 Stars

I recently read the Wool Omnibus which was so good it just blew me away. So I immediately headed back out to purchase the sixth volume in the story. Mr. Howey is very talented and overall I enjoyed the story; however, it wasn’t as gripping as the ones before and some of the plot seemed a little off or perhaps unlikely so I wasn’t drawn into the story as completely as with the previous volumes in the story. I’m not at all saying I didn’t enjoy the read. It was interesting and I very much enjoyed it. Mr. Howey is an excellent writer and has some really interesting ideas. I will most definitely read Wool 7 when it comes out. I’m intrigued and completely sucked into the story, but I think the real story lies in what will happen to the people struggling to survive in the silos and how they can improve their world rather than how they got there. To me, it seems that is where the real human drama is taking place and I think I would have rather seen those in the silos discovering and coming to grips with the truth of how it all happened than to go back and see it played out. Of course, that’s just my opinion and it’s easy to say how you would have like to see things go from the perspective of a reader. Anyway, altogether a good read and a must for anyone who has enjoyed the previous installments in the Wool series. I very much look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

The Watchers of Ur: Cradle by Lamonte M. Fowler

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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UrOriginal review posted Saturday, June 2, 2012

Description: From before the Dawn of Man, good and evil have battled on the Earth. As humans progressed from Eden to the skies and to space, Azrael watched over humanity — teaching, guiding, and protecting the Children of Earth.

The Enemy, imprisoned on Earth for their rebellion, carry out the Master’s plan to end their bondage and take the war to a new front — a pristine ‘cradle’ world where suffering and war are not known. Using the Emperor of Earth and the resources of his vast empire to build mankind’s first starship, the Enemy weaves a plot that spans generations, and threatens two sentient races.

In Book One, Azrael enlists Father Bożydar Jofre, a Jesuit priest, and Kavan Ferre, a brilliant physicist, to prevent the Enemy from escaping to the stars. Joined by an unlikely group of space pirates, Azrael leads an epic race across the solar system to halt the Enemy before their great migration can begin.

THE WATCHERS OF UR: CRADLE will take you from Earth to Mars, Europa, Titan, and beyond on an epic journey filled with fast-paced action, gripping human drama, and stunning glimpses of the future of Mankind.

Review: 4 of 5 Stars

When I started this book I was a bit leery given the framework and the obvious references to religion. Nevertheless, I sat down to read it and despite my initial misgivings it really was a fun read so I’m giving it a 4 for the entertainment I derived from it. I really enjoyed some of the characters and appreciated the spice thrown in by some of the more obscure ones in this merry band of mortals off to save the universe. In addition, I’m always up for some good action and a rollicking space battle and there was plenty of both. The author did add some twists to the age old struggle between good and evil, which were interesting to think about in the context of the story. Overall, I enjoyed it and I’ll probably read the next one. If you like an occasional swashbuckling type romp and have the ability to treat fiction as just that and not take it too seriously then you might pass an enjoyable afternoon with this space adventure.

Wool Omnibus (1-5) by Hugh Howey

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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woolOriginal review posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Description: This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside.

Review 5 of 5 Stars

At the suggestion of an author I recently reviewed, I finally got around to reading Wool by Hugh Howey and was greatly pleased with the recommendation.  It seems I benefited from being a little late to the game as the first five stories had been bundled together while I procrastinated. This story is extremely well done from start to finish. I not only enjoyed it, but life pretty much came to a halt as I read it over the Memorial Day holiday. Another good indication of the story’s quality is that I immediately purchased First Shift – Legacy (Part 6 of the Silo Series) within hours of finishing because I’d run out of book and wasn’t ready for the story to end. Wool was so well done. I was truly intrigued by the characters and found myself fully involved especially once Juliette’s struggles began in this controlled and broken world of the silo. She was a great character – independent, intelligent, feisty, compassionate, loyal and willing to overcome any odds to survive against seemingly impossible odds. One of those characters who brings to mind the phrase indomitable will and I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. Everything about this story was well done from social dynamics to the uncovering of the hidden truths. I can only suggest that you read it and hope that you enjoy the experience as much as I did. I’d give it more than a 5, but that’s as high as the rating scale goes.

The Brotherhood of Piaxia by Michael Drakich

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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piaxiaOriginal review posted Saturday, May 26, 2012

Description: Years have passed since the overthrow of the monarchy by the Brotherhood of Warlocks and they rule Piaxia in peaceful accord. But now forces are at work to disrupt this rule from outside the Brotherhood as well as within! In the border town of Rok, a young warlock acolyte, Tarlok and his older brother, Savan, captain of the guard, become embroiled in the machinations of dominance. While in the capital city, Tessia, the daughter of Piaxia’s most influential merchant, begins a journey of survival. Follow the three as their paths intertwine, with members of the Brotherhood in pursuit and the powerful merchant’s guild manipulating the populace for their own ends.

Review 3 of 5 Stars

The author requested that I review this book. I really enjoy a good fantasy and the description sounded pretty good so I sat down to read it. Overall it was a decent story. Not epic and sweeping, but not bad either and I didn’t have to struggle to finish it. The writing was good and the story flowed along. All things considered the writing was not the problem (and that is a compliment). I believe the overall problem was that the author played it a little too safe in the story and I really didn’t feel that the characters were explored enough. Several of the characters had great promise to invest the reader in their struggle, but never quite hit the depth that drives emotion. As far as characters go Tarlok was my favorite, but at times even he seemed a little flat in his responses. For me, this type of story should be a valiant struggle against the adverse force that is causing trouble to make you really feel for the characters and get caught up in their struggle to right wrongs. There were moments when I was truly intrigued and couldn’t wait to get back to the story. However, everything worked out a little too neatly, what should have been major battles were won too easily, everyone’s plans worked out just as they had hoped and what should have seemed like insurmountable odds kind of fizzled due to the ease with which those odds were overcome and the predictability of the outcomes. There was no moment when you felt that the good guys might really lose the day and I think that’s an integral piece for this type of story. Note that I’m not discouraging readers from this book. If you enjoy a good general fantasy story then you’ll probably enjoy this, but don’t expect to be holding your breath for the conclusion. I think with some additional skill honing with regard to plot and characterization along with a dash of risk taking we might see some really good things from this author.

Savannah by Peter Cawdron

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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SavannahOriginal review posted Sunday, May 20, 2012

Description: Savannah is the third in a series of stand-alone novellas exploring alternatives to the Rare Earth Hypothesis in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

How did a nurse from Chicago find herself on a voyage to the outer reaches of the galaxy? After taking up a position in an exclusive hotel in Kenya, Diana finds her world turned upside down by the advent of the equatorial space-port. 

Review 5 of 5 Stars

As I have enjoyed his other works, I happily settled down to read Savannah, Peter Cawdron’s most recent addition to the set of novellas he’s been working on in his exploration of the Rare Earth hypothesis and how mankind might go about searching for extraterrestrial life. Having read the other novellas he has written in this series, I was ready to see where the latest installment would take me as I still had unanswered questions and was truly interested to see where the story was going. Gladly, I can say that I very much enjoyed Savannah and was pleased that it tied together several of the things in the previous novellas that I felt were missing. This volume really tied together the pieces for me from Serengeti and it was interesting to see meet the characters in Trixie and Me in a different setting before they set out on their explorations. I will freely admit that I was a little confused as the story got started since the others were further along the timeline, but I immediately recognized the characters and was more than willing to explore their stories more as I felt I’d been left hanging regarding the story of these characters when I first read about them in Serengeti. As I had hoped from the description I was soon drawn into the characters and the story of how it all began, which I very much enjoyed reading and I was disappointed when it had to end. I’m afraid that to say more would give away too much and lessen the enjoyment for readers. In reviewing this, I wish that I could say I’m only reviewing Savannah which was very interesting, had some wonderfully fun and unusual humorous moments and kept my attention from start to finish. However, having now read three of the stories in this series it’s kind of like reading a really good book that covers several different story lines in sections. In fact, it reminds me of reading serial science fiction where you had to wait expectantly for the next month’s issue to come out. I definitely suggest Savannah to readers and am waiting expectantly for the next issue in a manner of speaking…

Sisterhood of Dune by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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SisterhoodOriginal review posted Friday, May 4, 2012

Description:  It is eighty-three years after the last of the thinking machines were destroyed in the Battle of Corrin, after Faykan Butler took the name of Corrino and established himself as the first Emperor of a new Imperium. Great changes are brewing that will shape and twist all of humankind.

The war hero Vorian Atreides has turned his back on politics and Salusa Secundus. The descendants of Abulurd Harkonnen Griffen and Valya have sworn vengeance against Vor, blaming him for the downfall of their fortunes. Raquella Berto-Anirul has formed the Bene Gesserit School on the jungle planet Rossak as the first Reverend Mother. The descendants of Aurelius Venport and Norma Cenva have built Venport Holdings, using mutated, spice-saturated Navigators who fly precursors of Heighliners. Gilbertus Albans, the ward of the hated Erasmus, is teaching humans to become Mentats…and hiding an unbelievable secret.

The Butlerian movement, rabidly opposed to all forms of “dangerous technology,” is led by Manford Torondo and his devoted Swordmaster, Anari Idaho. And it is this group, so many decades after the defeat of the thinking machines, which begins to sweep across the known universe in mobs, millions strong, destroying everything in its path.

Every one of these characters, and all of these groups, will become enmeshed in the contest between Reason and Faith. All of them will be forced to choose sides in the inevitable crusade that could destroy humankind forever….

Review 3 of 5 Stars

I love the Dune universe and was really looking forward to this book.  In fact, I bought the hardback for my birthday since I own them all and I’ve mostly enjoyed and been entertained by the other books that Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert wrote in the Dune universe after Frank Herbert’s passing.  I wish I could say that I loved it, felt good about paying almost $30 for it and will read it over and over for years to come, but unfortunately I can’t.  There were some interesting tidbits and history, but on the whole I never was thoroughly engaged in the story presented.  The Bene Gesserit stuff was kind of blah where it seemed it should have been more exciting given the events taking place.  I most enjoyed finding out what became of Vorian Atreides after he rode off into the sunset, so to speak, in the series previously. The Harkonnen ploy for vengeance wasn’t really all that vengeful in nature or exciting.  Seemed like all the factions were just kind of blundering along trying to get their houses in order. I wish I could add something more positive as I’ve loved the series up until now.  Let’s hope that if there’s a next one that it regains the flavor that made Dune such an intriguing series to visit.

Trixie & Me (Galactic Exploration) by Peter Cawdron

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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trixieOriginal review posted Saturday, April 14, 2012

Description: Trixie & Me is the second in a series of stand-alone novellas exploring alternatives to the Rare Earth Hypothesis in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Trixie and Berry are trapped on an alien space ship. Berry can’t move, but he seems to understand what’s going on. Trixie is confused, she has no recollection of how they ended up in the dark depths of an alien war craft. She struggles to comprehend even the simplest of concepts, struggling to speak, but she is free of her chains, so she is Berry’s only hope. They must escape their captors and warn humanity about this sinister threat coming from the galactic core.

Review 5 of 5 Stars

The author requested that I read/review this book. What a great and unexpected ending. I love a good twist and this one was totally unexpected. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you more than that or it’ll ruin the whole experience.  All in all this was a great story.  It was a little slow at the beginning, but picked up nicely on the way and moved along at a good pace once it got going.  When you get to the end you finally realize what was being built, though at no point in the story did I expect the conclusion to be what it was.  Mr. Cawdron’s writings improve and become more intriguing with each new tale he produces and I look forward to reading the next in this series of novellas exploring the search for intelligent life.  This story was cohesive and intriguing.  The ideas were fresh and well thought out and I truly enjoyed it.  Thus far, I’ve enjoyed Mr. Cawdron’s various stories and look forward to seeing more from this up-and-coming independent author.

The Power Behind the Throne by S.K. Nicoll

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
Posted in: Mysteries and Thrillers. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Power ThroneOriginal review posted Sunday, March 4, 2012

Description: In the year of HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee comes a fiercely controversial story that exposes evil at the heart of the British establishment.

Three of the UK’s most powerful men will stop at nothing to protect the monarchy… and that includes the murder of American architectural student Jack Hollander, the one man who can prevent Prince Charles from fulfilling his destiny.

Review – 4 of 5 Stars:

I don’t read a lot of political thrillers. I’m essentially a science fiction / fantasy geek who likes a little mystery or romance from time to time, but I do like to drop into other genres occasionally if I spot something interesting. I read the first 89 pages of this book on Ms. Nicoll’s web page and then bought the book because I was curious to see how it ended, which turned out to be a good purchase. Her story of Jack Hollander’s adventures was definitely interesting and entertaining. All in all it was well-written and moved along at a good pace. I was interested in the predicament of the main character, young Jack Hollander and his lady love, as well as his unwitting involvement in an international intrigue through no fault of his own. Mr. Hollander’s situation takes him into unexpected situations with plenty of twists, turns, and excitement to keep the reader interested. I would hate to give away more than that, but I really enjoyed the ending. If you enjoy political thrillers, I think that you’ll enjoy this one.

The Saga of the Seven Suns: Veiled Alliances by Kevin J. Anderson

Posted by tjhapney on May 31, 2013
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veiled alliancesOriginal review posted Sunday, February 26, 2012

Description: Based on the legendary science-fiction series by acclaimed novelist Kevin J. Anderson, THE SAGA OF SEVEN SUNS: VEILED ALLIANCES acts as a revelatory prequel to the Saga novels Hidden Empire and A Forest of Stars. In this fantastical volume, the human race begins its expansion into outer space only to discover that for centuries a multitude of other planets have been interacting on a cosmic scale. Now as Earth attempts to become a player in this new arena, her ambassadors are thrust into a foreign world of alien life forms, backstabbing politics, lustful relationship, bitter feuds, family rivalries, and a deadly quest to become the supreme force in the universe.

Review 4 of 5 Stars:

The Saga of the Seven Suns series is a favorite in my household. So, when I saw that the prequel was out, the book I was had been reading was abandoned to the nightstand and I dove into one of my favorite universes. As a follower of the series I was pleased with Veiled Alliances and consider it an excellent addition to the story as a whole. For a new reader to the series, I would suggest starting at book one, Hidden Empire, as Veiled Alliances did have some spoilers for what comes in the series. The original series was a fantastic journey of exploration and I would definitely read the original books before going back to the prequel. However, I consider it a must have for the collection if you enjoyed the series. All in all it was a great read and a pleasant trip back to one of my favorite places.