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Savior on the zenith: Fragmented Fates Duology, part 2

Savior on the zenith: Fragmented Fates Duology, part 2 by Nancy Foster

The doubtful. The jaded. The heir. The dauntless. Jarahad questions the mistakes he made during his life. Nobody ever forced him to become initiated in the combative harlequin arts, which only worsens his guilt. The only person that understands his true feelings is acting recklessly for reasons he doesn't quite understand yet. When disaster befalls Almjarhad, Jarahad will be forced to make the most difficult decision of his life. Talgel's fate has become sealed in stone, and there is no turning back. The chess board she carefully assembled over the years has been prepared, and the pawns waiting in their positions for the true hero of this story to perform the first move. With no options left, Talgel hopes she can reveal the prediction that can save Almjarhad before all hopes are lost. Tioja forges an unbreakable bond with the one person who can both save Almjarhad and ruin him. After running away from Almjarhad and fearing for his vanishing sanity, Tioja seeks refuge in the new harlequin enclave of Murdorhiolan alongside his mother, her new husband... and his half-brother named Gulraj. While Tioja gets used to his new life, an innocent remark ignites a butterfly effect that will trigger devastating consequences. Jamarnid suspects something is amiss when a human mage moves into Almjarhad and becomes infatuated with his son Jarahad. Just as he feared, the mage becomes an unstoppable threat that warrants a drastic solution. After being ridiculed by his peers, Jamarnid must set aside his pride and convince everyone the mage threatens the city's safety before it's too late. The demon who has bonded to Talgel's soul stares at the chessboard it helped assemble with reverie and is eager to share its power with the one person that can save the city... for a hefty price.


Fragmented Fates

Fragmented Fates by Nancy Foster

SPFBO9

The hero. The seer. The child. The condemned. After surviving two bloody purges that nearly exterminated both the Grey Clan and Orsenmuray City, the elf and harlequin survivors struggle to bring the tent city of Almjarhad to life. Surrounded by the ocean and desert, these inhospitable lands are slowly being developed with the aid of their magic. As the culprit of their misfortune, the condemned elf Lord Jamarnid is forced to rely on his son Jarahad to rule the city due to ending up disabled before his frantic escape. Bitter about his situation because he wanted to be executed, Jamarnid distrusts the true intentions of the seer Talgel. Unwanted by the Elf Kingdom and his harlequin great-grandfather Hurrujat, Jarahad struggles to accept his fate. As the interim ruler of Almjarhad, Jarahad wishes to complete his sword initiation to protect his people... and gain Talgel's unrequited love. Talgel is a woman of perpetual mystery with dubious morals. Upon awakening magic that grants her the ability to predict the future with absolute certainty, Talgel lost her eyesight. She now wears a masquerade mask to hide her true feelings. Embroiled in this story is a young hybrid elf named Tioja, who doesn't understand his role in the greater scheme of things. Four characters are about to have their fates manipulated, and their willpower tested. All for the sake of a demon inhabiting Talgel's body that will use them for its own nefarious purposes.


Reviews

Fall Into You

Fall Into You by Georgina Kiersten

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Cute 1 hour read, loved the writing style and the 2 protagonists. Would have wanted Imari's ex-fianceé to have shown up and add extra drama to the story.


The Withered King (Tempest Blades #1)

The Withered King (Tempest Blades #1) by Ricardo Victoria

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Had fun reading this book. Reminds me a bit of the Helix series by J.C.M. Berne with witty banter, characters with superpowers and lots of adventure. Haven't read book 2 yet but I certainly will sometime since I have the whole series.


Dark Theory

Dark Theory by Wick Welker

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, child abuse, mutilation, slavery

Book has plenty of plot holes that become more obvious once you discover the villain. I liked the robot, the guy from the underground city and the enslaved cult cyborg woman. Did feel the book could have been shorter since everyone walks around in circles a lot.


Thrill Switch

Thrill Switch by Tim Hawken

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: murder, torture, simulated mutilation and torture using insects

Book has a cool villain that is locked up in a VR world while her real body is hidden somewhere. Writing is good, but I felt there were a lot of plot holes such as building the biggest VR cities in a city without water.


Through Dry Places

Through Dry Places by D.H. Gutierrez

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: zombies, violence

Book focuses on a cryptid youtuber that plans to film a video about an abandoned town in rural Texas after a drought unearthed the town. Book isn't too spooky and focuses more on the Mexican folklore than zombie scares. I liked it.


Skylight

Skylight by Patchree Jones

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: kidnapping, emotional abuse, bullying

I liked the friendship dynamic between Sophie and her best friend Cara, there's some hinted romance between Sophie and her bodyguard Len, would have been nice to see greater focus on that. Worldbuilding was scant but the story was quite nice.


Far Flung

Far Flung by Utunu

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: child abuse, drugging, kidnapping, attempted forced medical procedure

Fabulous book, loved every minute of it and can't wait to read the sequel when it comes out.


A Flame In The Night

A Flame In The Night by Morgan Dante

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: prostitution, hinted child abuse, violence

Book has some promising scenes, especially the ones surrounding the mysterious vampire. The human couple that are the main POVs didn't have much chemistry. I felt the book should have focused more on the vampire's POV.


The Plagued Elf

The Plagued Elf by Armanis Ar-feinial

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: zombies, plague

Book is ok enough, liked the protagonist Andrienne even though he barely appears in any scenes. Wished the book had been more fleshed out and been edited.


Body Jacker Jaz (Earth Scout, #1)

Body Jacker Jaz (Earth Scout, #1) by Matthew Thompson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Very cute cozy sci fi read, I enjoyed it.


Thirteen

Thirteen by H. Ferdosy

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, rape, police brutality, suicide, PTSD

I loved the non linear arrangement of the plot the starts off with the fullblown action and slowly shows us Neda's tragic story. An amazing thriller by an upstanding Iranian author.


The Saga of Bjorn Unfrid

The Saga of Bjorn Unfrid by John Simons

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: Mutilation, violence, child abuse, sex slavery, spiritual posession

Book keeps on getting weirder and wierder with each passing chapter. Ending felt a bit rushed, but it is quite an engaging quick read.


The Hammersmyth Tales: A Steampunk Short Story Collection

The Hammersmyth Tales: A Steampunk Short Story Collection by Keith W. Dickinson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Collection of cute stories in an alternate Victoria England. Expect witty dialogue and everyone is a cheater. Also includes a wheelchair user detective for disability rep.


Unfortunate

Unfortunate by Ayrton Silva

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: violence, animals maul people to death, scorpions, debt traps

OMG this novella is like Dark City meets Jumanji (with lots of deadly twists). I couldn't put it down!


Nameless

Nameless by Alexander Way-B

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

It's hard to pinpoint an exact genre for this book, but I feel it blends the Matrix, 0 spice romance, Coming of Age, maybe to a degree Corrector Yui with a male protagonist, mystery and a bit of steampunk. I quite enjoyed this story of a slave that wants to be free.


Petition

Petition by Delilah Waan

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

I felt very respresented by the protagonist's personal struggles as a fellow immigrant, the buddling romance was also quite nice. Did feel shoving the names of so many similar sounding noble houses out of nowhere to be very confusing, but the rest of the book is quite good.


The Last Forest

The Last Forest by Alexander Way-B

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: Child abuse

The book is mainly aimed at a younger audience, but it is quite dark at first with a mixture of Contemporary fiction and Time Travel. There's some mysteries that remain unresolved, enough for a potential sequel, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone.


Children of the Black (Silver Sights Saga, #1)

Children of the Black (Silver Sights Saga, #1) by W.J. Long III

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: Violence, body mutilation, child abuse

While the first third of the book needs more polishing, the book really shines after he 40% point and becomes hard to put down. Love the father-daughter relationship and disability rep in this book. Great read.


 The Hound of Greyvor (Silver Sights Saga #2)

The Hound of Greyvor (Silver Sights Saga #2) by W.J. Long III

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: some violence, rotting corpses

Wow, this book is even better than book 1! Loved it from start to finish and I am anxiously waiting for book 3 to be finished.


Where Blood Runs Gold

Where Blood Runs Gold by A.C. Cross

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, charred corpses, attempted rape, drowning murder

I had tons of fun reading this book! Great Western with action, gratituous violence & nudity, dark fantasy and bits of horror.


The Fall Is All There Is

The Fall Is All There Is by C.M. Caplan

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: arm gets chopped off violently, posessed child murder, emotional child abuse, drug use

Interesting weird world, would have wanted to learn more about it. Book happens in an interesting world but too much focus happens on characters that make incoherent decisions. Expect lots of plot holes but good autism rep.


Wistful Ascending

Wistful Ascending by JCM Berne

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Fun escapism story featuring a sort of hybrid human with a saiyajin-esque alien race named Rohan. Lives in a space station where he tugs spaceships to port, has lunch a lot, chats with friends, goes on dates, slugs kaijus and aliens in outer space. Worth reading to have fun.


Any Job Will Do (The Grand Human Empire #1)

Any Job Will Do (The Grand Human Empire #1) by John Wilker

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Loved the 3 robots in Jax's ship (Ruby, Baxter and the ship AI Skip), Jax is pansexual in case anyone wants that kind of rep. Book has some good moments, but things in other chapters just happen without really exploring why. Interested in reading the sequel sometime though.


Memoirs of a Synth: Gold Record

Memoirs of a Synth: Gold Record by Leigh Saunders

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

The heist isn't important. In reality, the object the protagonist Brianna must steal is the most McGuffin thing ever. Only a ploy so that she becomes closer to a man she's attracted to named Jerrod while we visit tons of planets with complex alien societies. Marvelous read!


Under Far Galaxian Skies

Under Far Galaxian Skies by Natalie Kelda

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: violence, self harm, hinted child sexual abuse, attempted suicide

The author has done it again! Reading the prior books are not required, but it's nice to know Merlon and Tara. This book stars a sweet guy called Balfour who is serving time for 2nd degree murder of an innocent man. Trapped in a mobster city during a turf war!


The Beckoning Void

The Beckoning Void by Patrick LeClerc

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Has a very engaging antagonist, I liked the bad guy much more than the heroine. It was a fun romp.


The Woman in White

The Woman in White by E.M. McConnell

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: rape, infanticide, child murder, death penalty, domestic violence, PTSD

Book is part paranormal mystery with historical women's fiction and some horror. The best part of the book is the final arc. Offers interesting thoughts about the morality of the death penalty of people with PTSD.


Tasmanian Gothic

Tasmanian Gothic by Mikhaeyla Kopievsky

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: sex slavery (children and women), racism, domestic violence, attempted rape, drug addiction, suicide

Insanely dark book but it was such a compelling & original read that I devoured it. For readers that want strong women starring stories inspired by Breaking Bad meet X-men, this book is a keeper.


Our Lady of the Artilects

Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: genocide, military experiments on humans, characters become blind, sex slavery

Book has some worldbuilding themes in common with the I, Robot film and Dan Brown novels. Happens in a future where the Catholic Church rules Europe and an exorcist priest has to solve a mystery of sentinent robots getting infected with a virus. Interesting read.


The Ceph - Reborn

The Ceph - Reborn by Matthew Poehler

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: animals get eaten alive, violence

After an earthquake, an AI planted by an ancient alien civilization discovers their colonists have devolved into wild animals. 2 octopus and a squid are artificially evolved and become intelligent, the book is mostly a heartwarming story filled with hope.


Icebreaker

Icebreaker by Steven William Hannah 

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: violence, insanity, character gets burned to death

Book starts as a horror post-apocalyptic story, later on becomes more adventurous with a mechanical transport/battle ship and a great villain. Would have liked seeing more female characters, everyone gets badly injured without feeling pain, but it's otherwise a great read.


Pallas Lost

Pallas Lost by Jake Morrison

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, torture of sentinent robots

This book made me laugh a lot, it was a thrilling read! Can't wait to read the sequel when it comes out!


The First Run

The First Run by Eli Freysson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, sex slavery, character gets knees smashed, characters get burned alive

The middle of the book feels meandering and I would have wanted better defined villains (there's also several plot holes), but the first arc of the book and the ship's crew members were great. I'd love to read the sequel!


The Sphere: A Journey In Time

The Sphere: A Journey In Time by Michelle McBeth

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: violence

There's several plot holes in the book that become noticeable in the final arc. I liked the protagonist a lot and how she travels to the past to solve world history mysteries. I'd be interested in reading the sequel sometime.


To Climates Unknown

To Climates Unknown by Arturo Serrano

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: genital mutilation, child slavery, suicide, violence, genocide of indigenous communities

Book is divided into 5 parts with a well-researched alternative history. Some stories were very engaging (the ancient China one was my favorite), but it felt hard to stay engaged when a part ended without resolution. Would have been a fabulous book series instead of 1 book.


Eclipse

Eclipse by Herman Steuernagel

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: murder of families, violence, sexual harassment, mother with dementia

Book has two povs: a gullible farmer living in a space station that disovers a haunting secret that puts his life at risk and an honest ex-pirate who is being forced to return to her previous life to escape certain death. Great story, I felt the ending could have been better.


Wixon's Day (Estalia Book 1)

Wixon's Day (Estalia Book 1) by Phil Williams

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: rape, child slavery, child murder, violence, man bites victim's neck

Some readers might find the story too meandering with no real plot due to the reluctant hero trope. I personally loved the book and felt the lyrical prose to overcome the ferry captain's strive to be neutral in an upcoming civil war. I'd love to read the sequel sometime.


Three Grams of Elsewhere

Three Grams of Elsewhere by Andy Giesler

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: death of senior citizens, ptsd, drug addiction

It felt great to have a story starring a senior citizen with an interesting life (along with PTSD from his prior military service which was done very well). I liked the protagonist and his relationship with other characters. Book got confusing on occasion, but it's a good read.


Siren's Call

Siren's Call by T.J.J. Klamvik

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: PTSD, dismembered bodies

The book has 3 povs that are partially related to a dangerous threat that could wipe out humanity where some people are aware of the threat and sing a haunting nursery rhyme. The soldier's horror deserted planet story was the best part of the book.


Orphan Planet

Orphan Planet by Rex Burke

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

The humor style will resound for fans of Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. I felt the second half of the book was much better than the more sluggish first. Has a nice ending.


Yesterday Pill

Yesterday Pill by Iain Benson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Book starts with a huge blast (pun intended). Mysterious men want to kill a pregnant physicist named Cassandra, while her amnesiac husband Wade and a strange woman named Anya try to keep everyone alive. Action repeats a lot, but I like how it ends and the polyamory rep.


Cultural Practices of the Heartland

Cultural Practices of the Heartland by Andy C.F. Crawford

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: toilet humor

It's a weird but at the same time frightenly accurate satire inspired by the conservative political landscape of the Midwestern USA. While the story meanders a bit and we never discover what the Bigfoot monster is, the book is very funny. Quick read.


Calico Thunder Rides Again

Calico Thunder Rides Again by T.A. Hernandez

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: animal abuse

A high stakes story of the new owner of a struggling circus featuring unicorns and dragons! The new owner has to make difficult decisions to keep the circus afloat while keeping the star of the show, a beautiful dragon named Calico Thunder alive. Very cute read.


Star Language

Star Language by Charon Dunn

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Unrelated to the story
Content Warnings: sex slavery, rape, drug addiction, violent murders

Book has very strong themes surrounding sex slavery of young women and their later abuse from the mysterious aliens that rescue them for their own nefarious purposes. I felt the trauma suffered from the protagonist was well done.


Genefire

Genefire by JAMES FLANAGAN

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Interesting time travel story where secret messages embedded into people's DNA are sent to the past using a top-secret satellite. Has a good thriller subplot in the book. Some parts of the text could have been clearer. It's a fun read.


Explorers of Rinth

Explorers of Rinth by John Simons

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: sexual assault (brief off scene), violence

It's a bizarre and very original weird Sci-Fi thriller where 3 POVs live in a strange asteroid station where things are not quite like they seem. While I think some chapters could be cut for brevity, the worldbuilding is insanely detailled. I liked how all 3 POVs converge.


Initialize (Mod Superhero #1)

Initialize (Mod Superhero #1) by Samuel Fleming

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

I had fun reading this book. It's a fast read, can be enjoyed in 3 hours at the most. Some chapters could be rewritten to be clearer or have less filler, but I enjoyed the story a lot and the 4 main characters. I like it how Emmett is not overpowered and he is aware of this.


The Least of Elves: A Land of Fathara Novella

The Least of Elves: A Land of Fathara Novella by Robin Glassey

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: Torture, mutilation

This novella starts with a grim prologue where tensions are high. It then switches gears to light comedy starring a clumsy elf named Toran who marries a disabled woman with a mutilated face by accident. The story becomes darker... This book is a great dark fantasy prequel.


The Thieves of Stonewood

The Thieves of Stonewood by Jeremy Hayes

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

I read this book years ago and loved it so much. Would love to read the entire series again. If you want a fun story starring a good guy thief who steals a magical mask that makes him look like anyone he wants, this is the story for you!


The Black Cat Bookshop

The Black Cat Bookshop by E.M. McConnell

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Renders a sort of episodic nature following several humans that get a wish for a hefty price, but some of the stories connect together and the ending was great. I liked the deaf disability rep and the cats a lot.


Hollow Eyes

Hollow Eyes by A.J. Francis

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: zombies, violence

I love books from the POV of a sentinent zombie and our protagonist spends the whole story trying to protect a little girl with psychic powers from evil zombies. Great read.


Devil To Pay (Hells Unleashed Book 3)

Devil To Pay (Hells Unleashed Book 3) by Guinevere A. Hart

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

A delightful and insanely satisfying ending to a highly underrated LGBT and neurodiverse friendly erotica fantasy series. I was crying so much when Cedé's dads confessed their love!


99 Days

99 Days by Keith Ward

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: planned infanticide, maternal death giving birth

Dragon riding? A world where nothing floats on water? Amnesiac sidekicks? A crazy king that wants to kill three baby triplets to extend his life? A voyage to a land where men wear dresses and women pants? This thriller fantasy explores a lot of great concepts. Great read!


An Arrow Against the Wind: An Epic fantasy novel (The Bow of Hart Saga Book 2)

An Arrow Against the Wind: An Epic fantasy novel (The Bow of Hart Saga Book 2) by P.H. Solomon

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Loved the cover, the worldbuilding of dwarf society, the plight of Ath who remains captured, the mental health and disability is great, and the fact the villain dragon is pretending to be an ally. But the story has too much filler repeating the same 2 unimportant things!


Assured Destruction

Assured Destruction by Michael F. Stewart

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

The bored teenage daughter of a woman with Multiple Sclerosis steals discarded computer hardrives that are supposed to be destroyed to impersonate their prior users in chat rooms for fun. Hackers are willing to expose her and ruin her mom's business. Oh oh! A fun quick read.


Evonne and Vrawg: Bounty Hunters

Evonne and Vrawg: Bounty Hunters by Jeremy Hayes

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Another highly underrated epic fantasy starring two outcasts: a young woman that joins a pirate ship, learns how to fight but is betrayed by her shipmates. A half ogre that is unwanted by his own people and wanders the world. Can they save eachother? Check it out!


The Endless Ocean

The Endless Ocean by Toby Bennett

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: child mutilation, eyeballs removed on child

Another underrated past SPFBO semifinalist, very dark story where two siblings are separated. Girl can navigate ships, bad guys want to rip her soul and place it in a boat, brother is kidnapped by other bad guys, eyes removed and replaced with magic orbs. Has a talking lizard.


Good Intentions

Good Intentions by Elliott Kay

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Hilarious erotic harem story about a guy that saves a summoned succubi and angel from a crazy cultist halfway through a magic ritual. The angel & demon swap some of their good and evil with each other and both fall in love with the protagonist. I always wanted to read the sequel.


Ablaze in Mirth

Ablaze in Mirth by Matthew Thompson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: vampire murder, dismemberment

A really great story about an enslaved male vampire named Matias that participates in a sort of Hunger Games to earn his freedom. Love the story but at only 20 pages, you barely have any time to enjoy it. However, the sequel is a full-fledged novella with more action.


72 Hours

72 Hours by E.M. McConnell

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: suicide, torture, abuse of psychiatric patients

A quick spooky read featuring a Psychiatrist doing historical research of outdated medical practices in an ancient psychiatric hospital. Expect ghosts and a dangerous shadow that follows her around. A fun 90 minute read.


Empire of Ash and Blood

Empire of Ash and Blood by Matthew Thompson

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story

A highly underrated story with sympathetic enslaved vampires. Matias won the Ablaze games (bit like Battle Royale or Hunger Games with vampires), but he is now imprisoned somewhere else, his family murdered. Matias will have to escape and save his lost daughter. Thrilling read.


The Sunset Sovereign

The Sunset Sovereign by E.M. McConnell

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: child abuse, death

Great start to a thrilling dystopic utopia series where chosen children are forced to choose between fusing with the dragon spirits or remain in an enlightened city as humans for the rest of their lives. Gets darker as the story progresses. Good read.


Coward

Coward by Ayrton Silva

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story
Content Warnings: violence, insect monsters, gore

Great sapphic dark fantasy novella by an upcoming Brazilian author. Gets to the point very quickly, offers a great emotional punch in just 50 pages. I hope the author continues this great story filled with monsters as a series.


Nia Rae: A book about boobs and space and stuff (The Kali Series, #1)

Nia Rae: A book about boobs and space and stuff (The Kali Series, #1) by Debbie Taylor

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story

A book with a pansexual sexy alien antagonist that is the captain of the coolest organic spaceship ever??!! Count me in! Domino is so charismatic and I will protect his precious sentinent ship Bayleaf and its baby ship Kali with my life.


The Legend of Tawhiri

The Legend of Tawhiri by J. E. Purrazzi

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

Lovely light read about a South Pacific young man who isn't allowed to perform the adult initiation ceremony of his village because he was found in a beach. Lovely interaction with his adoptive mother, positive disability representation and a satisfying ending.


The Garden of the Golden Children

The Garden of the Golden Children by Ashley Hutchison

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Didn’t feel much
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Very descriptive and flowery prose with an intriguing dark fantasy plot. Hard for me to connect to the confusing story and writing style, but definitely well written.


The Darkness Calling

The Darkness Calling by Joe Coates

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Great cyberpunk thriller starring an honorable (and very likeable) hitman protagonist named Garth Nix who is occasionally dating a mysterious older woman... who just happens to be a detective assigned to one Garth's hits. Romance balances action, fabulous read!


Time Burrito

Time Burrito by Aaron Frale

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Time travel comedy starring a Mexican-American middle aged guy with a good heart that oly wants to make the world's best burrito. Befriends a sassy female scientist, a gross caveman, a sapphic asian lawyer robot and a calico cat that makes the best tortillas. Hilarious!


Dial G for Gravity (Brent Bolster Space Detective, #1)

Dial G for Gravity (Brent Bolster Space Detective, #1) by Michael Campling

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Misfit comedy about a clumsy green alien that loves eating crocodiles named Rawlgeeb. Ends up exiled from his spaceship after drinking coffee in an airport. Teams up with an obnoxious human detective to clear his name. Funny story but it could have been better.


Icon-Violet

Icon-Violet by Simon Fay

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Great story about two identical robots that share their thoughts sent to a inspect a rogue spaceship. One robot gets infected with a virus that entices it to visit a nearby space station for a mission, sibling robot and a cop from the station go investigate. Book needs editing.


The Arrow of Time (The Everyday Timekeeper's Almanac, #1)

The Arrow of Time (The Everyday Timekeeper's Almanac, #1) by B.T. Lamprey

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Easy to switch to other tasks
Emotional Response: Didn’t feel much
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Comedy time travel story featuring a group of mismatched misfits. Heavily inspired by Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Couldn't connect to the humor well, but it has a nice ending. Fast read.


Zeroth Law (Digitesque #1)

Zeroth Law (Digitesque #1) by Guerric Haché

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: Death of family

First book of the marvelous and highly underrated Digitesque series. Earthians have a disease where they can't read and have reverted to a primitive society but some have superpowers. Story focuses on two female POVs that have powers and discovering the secrets of their world.


River in the Galaxy

River in the Galaxy by Natalie Kelda

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: Mental health, Depression

Couldn't put it down! Has great humor combined with intense mental battles as the protagonist overcomes the death of his best friend. Has a wooden ship that travels in space to unchartered galaxies in the hopes of not losing his ship to his corrupt city... or go to prison.


The Aqua Human

The Aqua Human by J. Elizaga

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

A teenage woman from a sleepy village in The Phillippines has her life changed forever when the village is occupied by Japanese War World II troops. Her father sacrifices his life in a gut-wrenching scene to shove her in the water... where she discovers her dormant superpowers...


Heart of Fire

Heart of Fire by Raina Nightingale

Worldbuilding: Didn’t add anything
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Fun read for fans of books like Eragon with the sole focus of the plot being the bond forged by a human and their bonded dragon companion. Clean fantasy for readers of all ages.


The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle

The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Focus on the story solely
Cover: Matches the story well

Mind-bending weird paranormal horror-comedy with a powerful gut-wrenching ending. Great read from a promising upcoming author.


New Yesterday

New Yesterday by Frasier Armitage

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Unbalanced
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

Loses some steam at the end, but it is an interesting memory loss dystopia Sci-Fi thriller. Stars a guy who lives in a city where his memory gets erased every night and wants to discover who a woman named Lottie is...


Sistah Samurai

Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Ambiguous
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well

Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


God of Small Affairs

God of Small Affairs by Olga Werby

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Adequately represents the story

Couldn't put it down! Great Slice of Life small town family drama story with sprinkles of magical realism!


Daughter of the Beast

Daughter of the Beast by E C Greaves

Worldbuilding: Piqued curiosity
Plot: Straightforward
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well
Content Warnings: children killing animals

Entertaining story about an imprisoned teenage fae girl named Zyntael being captured by vicious sentinent wolf beasts called Vulkar and raised by their leader as her daughter. Great adoptive mother/captive daughter bond, author uses the word stuff a lot.



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