Monday, March 21, 2011
Boone Barnaby by Joe Cottonwood
Blurb: An award-winning novel loved by adults and children alike about the adventures of three boys (and a flaky dog) chasing an arsonist while testing the limits of life, soccer, and garbage in their scrappy little town among the redwood trees of California.
Reviewed by Dale
It was the blurb that attracted me to this story. Who could resist the premise? The chance to relive your childhood through the madcap adventures of three young boys and a trusty canine companion. Through in some fires, fights and soccer and you should have a winning combination.
This is no short novella, weighing in at more than 50,000 words it represents exceptional value for the tiny asking price; about .99cents as of writing. The prose itself is fine, and of a high standard both in elocution and editing. Although maybe the author strains the odd metaphor here and there, certainly no reason to put you off.
I must say it took me three or four days to read this book too. Generally a book this size I would read in a day. I also noticed that it took a considerable amount of time for something to actually happen. Maybe I'm too used to the kind of story commonly peddled today, a product of the gotta have it now! generation. Maybe the author is subtly conveying the idea of a sleepy, lazy, summery haze with his adagio style. Im not saying good, or bad. Merely that thats how it is. Maybe its enjoyable to have a fresh approach. Like a fine wine you dont want to quaff it all at once, you savior the story over a couple of days.
So if you liked Steinbeck's 'Of mice and Men' or Twain's 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyers' give this a try.
Format: eBook
Available from Smashwords
Link to Download: Here
Price: US$0.99c
Wordcount: 50,000 (appx)
Author: Joe Cottonwood
Friday, March 11, 2011
Leah by J. M. Reep
Blurb:Introverted and shy, 14-year-old Leah Nells has lived her life alone, with only books to keep her company. As she starts 9th grade, she finds herself lost within the complicated social universe of high school — especially when she falls in love with a boy from her class. Under pressure from her parents, her classmates, and the whole noisy world, can she become the girl she wants to be?
Reviewed by Dale
With the earthquake in Christchurch it has been some time since I have had an opportunity to read let alone review a book for my blog but with the kick-off of 'Read an eBook Week' I felt compelled to find something good to read and forget about the horrors of the past few weeks.
So it was that I found myself digging through the teen catalogues of Smashwords and discovered this little gem tucked away. A simple title, a catchy cover and an intriguing sounding blurb.
I think it was the loner aspect of the character that made me pick the book. For once a novel written about shy teenagers that doesn't include vampires, misfits or freaks. Instead what we have here from Mr. Reep is a very well written, carefully crafted almost journal like story that could be insanely boring. How do you write about a shy teen's life which is fundamentally boring with any kind of skill that doesn't leave the reader starved of any excitement or compulsion to turn the next page? A challenge to any author. Reep has pulled it off and I found myself drawn easily into the character's life. Leah's idiosyncrasies and awkwardness add flesh while the authors own almost claustrophobic style of writing compound the sense timidity. Referring to Leah's parents as simply Mr Nells or Mrs Nells or the constant and repeated use of the personal pronoun 'she' all help reinforce this feeling of inside outside; of Leah's world and what is not Leah's world.
As the Authors blurb states we join Leah on her first day at a new high school. Overwhelmed by new sights and sounds, unfamiliar routines and new faces, it's a challenge for any new student but for Leah it's an even more dramatic day. I changed schools a lot as a kid and remember all too well how anxious the first day at a new school was. Maybe being a little shy as a teen myself helped this story to resonate with me. I could certainly empathize to a small degree.
What strikes me is that this is no short novel it weighs in at about 229 pages and yet it has pace, and fluidity. I never tired of reading page after page. I must admit I'm more comfortable reading fantasy and adventure and know what to expect in such terms but with these fly on the wall or slice of life type stories it's more challenging I believe, to achieve these things. Steinbeck had it, Miller had it, seems Reep has it too.
If you enjoy a well written story with a bit of depth and a thoroughly interesting perspective then let me recommend this story to you. It is simply delightful and insightful.
Go grab it!
Format: eBook, Print
Price: Reader Decides (but I urge you to make a payment as it will encourage this great writer to write more!)
83,000 words
Download Link: Leah
Author J. M. Reep
Web: Author Site
Thursday, February 17, 2011
BROOKS BERRY IN The Case of The Stolen Season by Michael James
Blurb:Brooks Berry is your normal 12 year old boy. Obsessed with sports, best friends with his dog Ripken and a very curious mind. He also is one of Wauwatosa's leading detectives. Join this boy sleuth and his friends on his mystery solving adventures packed with unexpected twists and turns. Written in the spirit of the Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew mysteries. First edition of a new series.
Reviewed by Dale
I enjoy a good mystery as much as any one does and I was quite eager to start this story. Te setting is an American high school and the action or mystery unfolds around american football games. I don't follow grid iron and it's not played in my country so I couldn't really understand the in depth narratation of the plays. I guess it would be the same for Americans reading rugby or cricket plays.
The story has a few through away laughs, the Trojan computer company, where I'm sure the author is laying on a Trojan virus the word is also the brand name for a popular brand of condon in my country so it constantly made me snicker. Hehe
Also the references to cigarette buts and the hero's intimate knowledge of them is a no brainer homage to the great Sherlock Holmes no doubt that anyone who has read a Conan Doyle story could miss that.
Although I found the story and the writing up to a good standard. Was dissapointed that the author used narrative to drive the story forward. In fact probably 70% of this story is authors voice. A great scene, and sadly a great example of this was when Brooks, the young sleuth was black boarding his suspects and motives. Now Conan Doyle would have done this with Holmes plucking away all melancolie on his violin, half doped with opium and dr Watson buried in the Sunday cross word. It would have been dialogue driven with Watson struggling to keep up with Holme's wild posturing and great leaps of intuition. Instead we had the author explaining what Brad was thinking.
The ending was good, though. The author managed to twist the tale around and around to keep you guessing as to who the culprit was. Lots of red herrings and excitement.
Three and a half out of Five for me.
Format: eBook
Price: Free
27,000 words
Download link Here
Author Michael James
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Reasons on her Wrist by Racaneya
Editorial Blurb:
Cassie, a suicidal teen, learns many reasons about her purpose in life after dealing with death, a love triangle, saving another life, and going through a life changing event.
Reviewed by Dale
This story follows a 17 year old high school student who struggles to find a sense of purpose in her young life. People have disappointed her and left her and now she finds the only source of any real feeling in her life is in self mutilation.
As she trudged wearily through her days at school people try to push their way through her dark walls and get to know her. Resistant at first she pushes them away but gradually Cassie lowers her guard and let's them close. But are they the right people to be part of her life? Will there screwed up lives be more weight than Cassie can bear?
This is a very well crafted novel. The dialogue driven story is well constructed with likeable and believable characters.
The topical nature of the story was also handled well. Sending a message about self mutilation and suicidal thoughts but in a constructive and non preaching way. I was in awe of some of the monologues and wonder how the author has come to have such a deep connection with her characters.
Part two didn't feel as strong as part one, but it completed the story. The ending has been the subject of debate in other reviews but I haven't seen the alternative ending. This ending worked fine for me, although a little sad perhaps.
As for the young author herself I'm glad to hear she is working on another novel, she has a great voice and a mastery of dialogue.
Author: Racaneya
Author blog: Blog
Format: eBook
Word count: 30,000
Price: free
Link: Download
Cassie, a suicidal teen, learns many reasons about her purpose in life after dealing with death, a love triangle, saving another life, and going through a life changing event.
Reviewed by Dale
As she trudged wearily through her days at school people try to push their way through her dark walls and get to know her. Resistant at first she pushes them away but gradually Cassie lowers her guard and let's them close. But are they the right people to be part of her life? Will there screwed up lives be more weight than Cassie can bear?
This is a very well crafted novel. The dialogue driven story is well constructed with likeable and believable characters.
The topical nature of the story was also handled well. Sending a message about self mutilation and suicidal thoughts but in a constructive and non preaching way. I was in awe of some of the monologues and wonder how the author has come to have such a deep connection with her characters.
Part two didn't feel as strong as part one, but it completed the story. The ending has been the subject of debate in other reviews but I haven't seen the alternative ending. This ending worked fine for me, although a little sad perhaps.
As for the young author herself I'm glad to hear she is working on another novel, she has a great voice and a mastery of dialogue.
Author: Racaneya
Author blog: Blog
Format: eBook
Word count: 30,000
Price: free
Link: Download
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Darkling Wind by Jamie Sedgwick
Editorial Blurb:
Ben always thought his grandfather's bedtime stories about the darklings were make-believe, but now the darklings have invaded his hometown and only Ben can stop them. When a mysterious package arrives containing his grandfather's old journal and a crystal pendant, Ben knows he's found the way to stop the darklings. Unfortunately, the journal is encrypted and Ben is running out of time.
With the help of his Best friend Sara, Ben must unlock the journal's secrets and find a way to banish the evil darklings before they destroy the town and kill everyone he loves. But does Ben have the strength to face his greatest fears? If he succeeds, Ben will have to sacrifice everything just to survive. If he fails, Ben will not only lose everything he loves, he will also become the thing he fears the most.
Reviewed by Dale
This is a well written and very heart warming story. It's written in the first person and is largely narrative driven. Usually I would not like this style of writing but it pretty much works in this format and for young adult readers it shouldn't be too tiring.
The young hero of the story is Ben Larbinger a fourteen year old nobody who gets picked on by all the school bullies. Ben's amiable sidekick is Sara, or Sarah depending on which page you are on. Actually I only saw that once but it was funny to see a major character's name changing through a story. There were only a couple of typos and the editing was good about 94% perfect.
Back to the story; young Ben meets a sinister man with an evil aura whilst visiting his grandfather. The evil stranger tells Ben and Sara that they will meet again soon. This is a nice little tension building tease that the author uses throughout the book, to successfully build his story. The characters indeed meet the stranger again and have a near fatal run in with their teachers at school. It was very exciting when Ben accidentally fell into a room full of darkling monsters and gouls. I couldn't wait to see how Sedgwick was going to write Ben out of that scene. You will have to read it yourself to find out.
Tragedy strikes early on in the story and the cute litle sidekick, Sara, falls victim to the invading darklings. I was really upset by this as she was a character I had come to like and care about. A hallmark of great writing is in conjuring this kind of emotional attachment in readers.
So the story is novel, refreshing and definitely very interesting, the writing is good. A few overly introspective descriptive passages towards the end but easily forgiven in the rush to turn the page to see how it finishes. I would have liked a more dialogue driven story. I would have liked to have seen more of the other characters in the book developed more fully. This is a challenge with first person stories. The lead actor is well characterized and the bad guys can be left too one dimensional.
I'm still giving this book 5 stars though, and I thoroughly recommend it. It's not long at a bit over 30,000 words or so. So why not download it for a rainy day?
Title: The Darkling Wind
Author: Jamie Sedgwick Author's Blog
Genre: Fantasy
33,000 words
Free download via smashwords: Download link
Ben always thought his grandfather's bedtime stories about the darklings were make-believe, but now the darklings have invaded his hometown and only Ben can stop them. When a mysterious package arrives containing his grandfather's old journal and a crystal pendant, Ben knows he's found the way to stop the darklings. Unfortunately, the journal is encrypted and Ben is running out of time.
With the help of his Best friend Sara, Ben must unlock the journal's secrets and find a way to banish the evil darklings before they destroy the town and kill everyone he loves. But does Ben have the strength to face his greatest fears? If he succeeds, Ben will have to sacrifice everything just to survive. If he fails, Ben will not only lose everything he loves, he will also become the thing he fears the most. Reviewed by Dale
This is a well written and very heart warming story. It's written in the first person and is largely narrative driven. Usually I would not like this style of writing but it pretty much works in this format and for young adult readers it shouldn't be too tiring.
The young hero of the story is Ben Larbinger a fourteen year old nobody who gets picked on by all the school bullies. Ben's amiable sidekick is Sara, or Sarah depending on which page you are on. Actually I only saw that once but it was funny to see a major character's name changing through a story. There were only a couple of typos and the editing was good about 94% perfect.
Back to the story; young Ben meets a sinister man with an evil aura whilst visiting his grandfather. The evil stranger tells Ben and Sara that they will meet again soon. This is a nice little tension building tease that the author uses throughout the book, to successfully build his story. The characters indeed meet the stranger again and have a near fatal run in with their teachers at school. It was very exciting when Ben accidentally fell into a room full of darkling monsters and gouls. I couldn't wait to see how Sedgwick was going to write Ben out of that scene. You will have to read it yourself to find out.
Tragedy strikes early on in the story and the cute litle sidekick, Sara, falls victim to the invading darklings. I was really upset by this as she was a character I had come to like and care about. A hallmark of great writing is in conjuring this kind of emotional attachment in readers.
So the story is novel, refreshing and definitely very interesting, the writing is good. A few overly introspective descriptive passages towards the end but easily forgiven in the rush to turn the page to see how it finishes. I would have liked a more dialogue driven story. I would have liked to have seen more of the other characters in the book developed more fully. This is a challenge with first person stories. The lead actor is well characterized and the bad guys can be left too one dimensional.
I'm still giving this book 5 stars though, and I thoroughly recommend it. It's not long at a bit over 30,000 words or so. So why not download it for a rainy day?
Title: The Darkling Wind
Author: Jamie Sedgwick Author's Blog
Genre: Fantasy
33,000 words
Free download via smashwords: Download link
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Demon Queen and the Locksmith by Spencer Baum
In Turquoise, New Mexico, a small group of hippies believe that the mountain north of town emits a constant, resonant hum that is only audible to a chosen few. They call themselves the Hearers, and the fact that fourteen-year-old Kevin Brown has never trusted them makes it all the worse when his own ears begin to ring, and he comes to realize "The Turquoise Hum" may be much more than a sound.
A common failing of self published books is a lack of editing and too much reliance on narration to move over parts of the story. None of these are a problem for author Spencer Baum in his novel The Demon Queen and the Locksmith.
With Great pace in his dialogue and a style reminiscent of early Stephen King I became enthralled. The story slowly unwinding itself in a complex origami of plots and subplots that came together in the final chapters to reveal an original tale filled with horror and suspense.
Kevin Brown is the young hero of the story who becomes transformed from a teary eyed victim of school yard bullies to a believable character who faces the horror of the turquoise mountain with companions Joseph and Jackie.
The story does take some time to establish a sense of direction, it was a good seventy six pages through the tome before I got a feeling for what this story was ultimately about. The opening chapters are still very interesting but don't expect an Indian jones style ride to the finish right from the start. This story is more subtle in it's build up. A few flash backs to earlier events adds dimension and flesh to the main villains bones. So while I did feel at times the story dragged a little, once the three teenagers got a call warning them of mortal danger the story was unstoppable and couldn't be put down.
Baum has a great narrative style with some of his florid descriptions very elegant. Most of the time you got a real sense of presence and at time I found myself listening for the cursed hum of the mountain.
Things did get a bit fanciful in the grand finale, maybe a choice between fluidity and completeness caused of a few 'glossed over' areas with expedient plot devices to creep in. Sticky yellow nano goo might have been one such example.
So definitely a story I recommend to my readers, fine narrative, believable dialogue and an original and unexpected ending. Will definitely be a hit with the boys who like gritty and fun stories. Will undoubtably disappoint all this mushy romance loving sops who read vampire books. 5 stars from me.
Author: Spencer Baum
Word count: 61,000 words
Genre: horror fantasy
Price: Free download
Format: Ebook
Smashwords Download
A common failing of self published books is a lack of editing and too much reliance on narration to move over parts of the story. None of these are a problem for author Spencer Baum in his novel The Demon Queen and the Locksmith.With Great pace in his dialogue and a style reminiscent of early Stephen King I became enthralled. The story slowly unwinding itself in a complex origami of plots and subplots that came together in the final chapters to reveal an original tale filled with horror and suspense.
Kevin Brown is the young hero of the story who becomes transformed from a teary eyed victim of school yard bullies to a believable character who faces the horror of the turquoise mountain with companions Joseph and Jackie.
The story does take some time to establish a sense of direction, it was a good seventy six pages through the tome before I got a feeling for what this story was ultimately about. The opening chapters are still very interesting but don't expect an Indian jones style ride to the finish right from the start. This story is more subtle in it's build up. A few flash backs to earlier events adds dimension and flesh to the main villains bones. So while I did feel at times the story dragged a little, once the three teenagers got a call warning them of mortal danger the story was unstoppable and couldn't be put down.
Baum has a great narrative style with some of his florid descriptions very elegant. Most of the time you got a real sense of presence and at time I found myself listening for the cursed hum of the mountain.
Things did get a bit fanciful in the grand finale, maybe a choice between fluidity and completeness caused of a few 'glossed over' areas with expedient plot devices to creep in. Sticky yellow nano goo might have been one such example.
So definitely a story I recommend to my readers, fine narrative, believable dialogue and an original and unexpected ending. Will definitely be a hit with the boys who like gritty and fun stories. Will undoubtably disappoint all this mushy romance loving sops who read vampire books. 5 stars from me.
Author: Spencer Baum
Word count: 61,000 words
Genre: horror fantasy
Price: Free download
Format: Ebook
Smashwords Download
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Helium 3 by Nick Travers
Today, at the centre of our galaxy, dwell small colonies of a most extraordinary species – humans. Fourteen-year-old Mervyn Bright has courage, tenacity, and three close friends from the Space Academy: Loren, a brilliant but despised out-worlder, Tarun, heir to a once-powerful dynasty, and Aurora, niece to the embattled Patriarch. Together they make a formidable team.
Reviewed by Dale
First off let me say I liked it. Since this is a series I can see plenty of room for Travers to grow the characters. They did appear a little two dimensional and it seemed as though their personalities were only trickling out slowly. One character, Aurora, left the greatest impression in my mind as I was reading. I could clearly picture her striding down the corridors of the space academy with her entourage of suck-ups in tow.
I felt Mervyn to be an interesting young guy. I think Travers could have had him react more strongly to the destruction of his home world and abduction of his father. We might have seen his friend Lauren comfort him here as well. Still this sets a great stage for events to come and the deviously evil little De Monsero came across as exceptionally callous when asked to help Mervyn catch the spy rocket. This was followed up by a very exciting game of swot. A giant game of ping pong played in low g with your body instead of a paddle. This was one of the most exciting chapters in the story and I felt the desperate frustration that Mervyn must have felt as events transpired against him.
It is clear that Travers has a good grasp of science and the story is workload with great sci-fi ideas throughout. Carbon nano fibers that change colours with the flick of a switch. The see through titanium crystals in the viewing room and the biolinks people use to communicate are all great ideas that add to and help set the scene as a futuristic space collage. Though I was a little perplexed to see people still using email. But I guess they have to call it something.
I noticed in the blurb someone mentioned this was a story apart from the usual wizards, wands and vampires stories that are saturating the market at present. This is certainly true, this story is set in space and without a wizard or techonomage in sight but I can't help drawing some parallels to Harry Potter. Three friends, underdogs at a new school. The swot game resembled the game played in the Harry potter books and the vile De Monsoro is a ringer for the evil Melfoid of Potter fame.
I think Travers is on to something here. With only a hint of the very interesting Lauren's character revealed and the mysterious Aurora still to show her true colours and loyalties I can see plenty of potential for exciting times for these misfits.
I give it 5 stars because its short comings are easily addressed in view of it being a series. Though I have yet to read the others. It is very clearly a professionally written story. A few typos and so on are found in modern best sellers just as often as indie publications and indie authors often take greater pride than the industry publications.
The story is also a step up from a lot of what I have read coming from the indie world of books. A lot of it is poorly written and this story is definitely a work apart and very well written. Easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I felt Mervyn to be an interesting young guy. I think Travers could have had him react more strongly to the destruction of his home world and abduction of his father. We might have seen his friend Lauren comfort him here as well. Still this sets a great stage for events to come and the deviously evil little De Monsero came across as exceptionally callous when asked to help Mervyn catch the spy rocket. This was followed up by a very exciting game of swot. A giant game of ping pong played in low g with your body instead of a paddle. This was one of the most exciting chapters in the story and I felt the desperate frustration that Mervyn must have felt as events transpired against him.
It is clear that Travers has a good grasp of science and the story is workload with great sci-fi ideas throughout. Carbon nano fibers that change colours with the flick of a switch. The see through titanium crystals in the viewing room and the biolinks people use to communicate are all great ideas that add to and help set the scene as a futuristic space collage. Though I was a little perplexed to see people still using email. But I guess they have to call it something.
I noticed in the blurb someone mentioned this was a story apart from the usual wizards, wands and vampires stories that are saturating the market at present. This is certainly true, this story is set in space and without a wizard or techonomage in sight but I can't help drawing some parallels to Harry Potter. Three friends, underdogs at a new school. The swot game resembled the game played in the Harry potter books and the vile De Monsoro is a ringer for the evil Melfoid of Potter fame.
I think Travers is on to something here. With only a hint of the very interesting Lauren's character revealed and the mysterious Aurora still to show her true colours and loyalties I can see plenty of potential for exciting times for these misfits.
I give it 5 stars because its short comings are easily addressed in view of it being a series. Though I have yet to read the others. It is very clearly a professionally written story. A few typos and so on are found in modern best sellers just as often as indie publications and indie authors often take greater pride than the industry publications.
The story is also a step up from a lot of what I have read coming from the indie world of books. A lot of it is poorly written and this story is definitely a work apart and very well written. Easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
274 pages
This book is part one of a 3 part series
Available as ebook from smashword:
Or in Print via LULU
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