Review: I'll Rescue You (I'll Rescue You, #1) by M.T. Thomas

I'll Rescue You (I'll Rescue You, #1)

by M.T. Thomas

Even after 40 years, earth is ready; ready for another attempted invasion. Join our characters as they travel the world in order to save it. Experience growth and self-realization with Apollo as events open his eyes to see beyond what he had always thought was true. Does his home planet and species truly have the right to invade and acquire other worlds?

Half-sisters Belle and Teneille must find a way back to each other while facing alien forces and overwhelming obstacles. Enemies become friends and friends become enemies while star-crossed lovers rescue each other in this science-fiction fantasy.

My Take:

Earth suffered a ruthless and brutal invasion by a race of technologically advanced aliens, impervious to bullets, flames, and bombs. The aliens apparently communicated by telepathy, and considered earth to just be another easily harvested planet. After the leader of the incoming invasion was captured, however, the aliens broke off and retreated, uncertain of victory.

The aliens were considered completely devoid of compassion, mercy, even emotions at all. Concerned about a subsequent invasion, earth scientists managed to create a hybrid half human, half Olympian who had the impervious skin, night sight, long lifespan, and telepathic abilities of the invaders. When they came back, Belle would be able to detect their communications and alert the earth of their plans.

What she didn't expect, what none of them expected, was that she would be the next target. And that she would fall for the alien sent to destroy her.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean.

Violence:

PG - There is a decapitation, some indication of torture. One of the aliens' useful items is made from the skin of a conquered intelligent race. The aliens take some level of delight in torturing or lording it over subjugated civilizations. There are multiple bloody battles, an unarmed man is shot. A person is frozen to death. A man commits suicide by blowing his brains out. The violence is not excessively graphic.

Language:

PG - the D word is dropped a few times.

Adult Content:

PG - There is some angst but not much else. A buff soldier takes off his shirt and is admired by some of the women present.   

Christian content:

Belle's mother is a solid Christian with a strong faith. Providence plays an obvious part in this story. The alien sent to kill Belle, Apollo, is given a series of memories from Belle that causes him to question the cold and vicious methods of his race. To experience hope, love, joy. Self sacrifice, redemption, and hope are strong strokes in this hopeful post-apocalyptic painting. Racism is an undercurrent here.

Final analysis:

I'll Rescue You is an enjoyable read, with memorable characters and solid world-building. The action and pace are gripping, and the message of hope shared here is tangible. The common condemnation of the aliens out of hand is a bit cookie cutter in its depiction, but the tension and judgmentalism that comes with it is realistically sculpted. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Hello! My name is Michelle Thomas, also known as “M.T. Thomas” and I am the author of the book “I’ll Rescue You” that you can find on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble as a paperback or on Kindle and Nook as an ebook.

I enjoy sunsets and long walks on the beach…just kidding! My true passions range from all forms of art, to church and family, and to science. I am a Medial Laboratory Scientist by day and an author by night. I have two daughters and a wonderful husband whom I’ve been with for 12 years.

I’ve always wanted to write. I had a couple poems published back in the day and planned out my novel years ago but never had a chance to write it down. 

I always thought, “I’ll write my book right after I graduate University! I just have to make it till then.” However, right after graduation, I started my new job and we began building our dream house. Again, there was no time. After our house was built and I became comfortably settled in my job, I became pregnant with our second daughter. It would be another 2 years before I felt I had another moment to breathe and actually think about my book. Now, here I am, 5 years post-graduation and I have finally written the story I came up with 10 years ago.

I hope everyone enjoys reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Upcoming Reviews for April

The next few months may be quite busy months for me, with an implementation during my paying job. But I will still have some time to read here and there. Here's what is up and coming for April:

I'll Rescue You (I'll Rescue You, #1)

by M.T. Thomas

Even after 40 years, earth is ready; ready for another attempted invasion. Join our characters as they travel the world in order to save it. Experience growth and self-realization with Apollo as events open his eyes to see beyond what he had always thought was true. Does his home planet and species truly have the right to invade and acquire other worlds?

Half-sisters Belle and Teneille must find a way back to each other while facing alien forces and overwhelming obstacles. Enemies become friends and friends become enemies while star-crossed lovers rescue each other in this science-fiction fantasy.

The Explorers of Serdame (The Alfred Arnold Saga Book 2)

by Phoenix Williams

Alfred Arnold’s Great Adventure of No Direction Whatsoever has begun! With the company of Sir Procrastination and the curious Lavandra, Serdame’s first explorer sets out from Villedge to find the capital of the land.

Explore some of the most fascinating landmarks in the world, such as rolling sand dunes, vibrant oases, and a mountain made entirely of wood. Face dangerous waterfalls, poisonous insects, and a total loss of direction. Follow the three adventures as they cross countless strange inhabitants in their journey north, from suicidal fish to the most peaceful man in Serdame.

Join our hero and his companions in the second installment of Phoenix Williams’ Alfred Arnold Saga! 

Capering on Glass Bridges (Hawk of Stone #1)

by Jessica Hernandez

The Utdrendans have spoken, and everything has changed as a consequence. People normally avoid the fog surrounding the cursed Kingdom of Mar, but now they are asking sixteen-year-old Kaia Stone to venture into it. The Utdrendans implied that there is something special about Kaia. They claimed that she could help free the land; she need only carry out their instructions and deliver a message to the Marian king.

Mar, however, is a land in which dark secrets abound, and many will stop at nothing to ensure that it remains forever cursed. Determined to work against Kaia, unfriendly forces have already begun to gather.

Will Kaia choose to abandon the only life she’s ever known—perhaps indefinitely—in pursuit of the greater good…in pursuit of her purpose?

A Coronation of Kings (A Kingdom Divided #1)

by Samuel Stokes 

Tyranny. Desperation. Rebellion. 

While Tristan may be the heir to the House of Listar, at heart he’s more a lad than a lord. 

Mad with power, the ruthless and scheming Baron of Belnair will stop at nothing to gain the crown. In the dead of night, the Baron massacres Tristan’s family and burns their home to the ground. Desperate and alone, Tristan must fight for his life and his people. 

With everything at stake, Tristan must unite the unlikeliest of allies to block the Baron's ascent. For the first time in his life, he must become the leader he was born to be. 

The Baron’s armies grow as an ancient magic stirs in the mountains. If Tristan fails, the throne, his freedom, and the love of his life will be lost forever. 

A Coronation of Kings is the first book in this exciting new fantasy series. If you like fast-paced adventures, spellbinding sorcery, and wondrous new worlds, you will love Samuel Stokes' A Coronation of Kings. 

Review: Secret of the Lost King (Thrones #1) by Shaun Stevenson

Secret of the Lost King (Thrones #1)

by Shaun Stevenson

THE ANSWERS ARE IN HIS MEMORY. 

NOW IF ONLY HE COULD REMEMBER. 

Long ago their kingdom was torn apart when the evil Emperor Morogh took hold of the throne. Ruling from the dark castle, Morogh seeks three orphaned children: Jack, Maggie, and Molly. Only they hold the key to uncovering an ancient secret that could destroy everything everyone has ever known, or could create the family these three orphans have always longed for. 

Jack, Maggie, and Molly remain forgotten in an orphanage deep in the kingdom by all except the Emperor, who knows about the dangerous memory the three of them share. A memory Morogh wants his hands on. 

As the Emperor's forces hunt them, Jack must find an old enemy of the kingdom, rescue a lost king, and discover the truth about his own memories.

My Take:

Jack, Maggie and Mollie are three insignificant orphans in a backwater village, with no memory of their past. Their caretaker, Mrs. Keswick, teaches them while cooking and caring for them. But soldiers from the wicked Emperor ransack the village looking for these three. Only the amazing fighting skills of the nondescript housekeeper save them from capture, though she is mortally wounded in the process.

Fleeing for their lives, the three follow the last instructions of their dying matron, to find the mysterious ranger Jagger, who will tell them about the prophesy that predicts they will destroy the evil emperor and re-establish peace.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean.

Violence:

PG - There are a few scenes where the main characters are chased by a sword-wielding villain. Dangerous plants, villainous rulers, sadistic henchmen, all try to kill the kids. There is a scary scene involving a giant spider. Soldiers die in a battle.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

G - This is Middle Grade fiction. It's clean.   

Christian content:

Jack has a series of visions involving Gideon and the battle with the Midianites. The evils of idolatry, the forces of evil in the spiritual realm, and intervention and guidance by God are well-covered in this book. Self-sacrifice, duty, honor, are powerful and broad-brush themes here.

Final analysis:

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced Christian fantasy. It did not come across as preachy but as a solid tale of deliverance, destiny, and God's overarching guidance. The characters were believable, the setting expansive, the plot immersive and the action gripping. What's not to like in a book like this? Five Stars!

About the Author:

Shaun Stevenson has always loved a good story. Ever since he picked up his great-grandmother’s copy of THE WIZARD OF OZ as a second grade reader, he’s known that stories, writing, and adventures on the written page were always in his future. When Shaun’s not writing, he spends his time as a Children’s Pastor sharing The Story with kids and their families.

You can find Shaun on Twitter @shaunstvn, on Facebook, and at his website: shaunstevensonbooks.com.

Review: Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by Jaimie Engle

Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light

by Jaimie Engle

Clifton Chase is the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. But after he finds a mysterious arrow in his closet, he takes Ryan's bet to see who can hit the target. Ryan nails the bull's-eye, but Clifton's piece of junk arrow sails out of sight and when he finally finds it, something isn't right. Somehow, Clifton has been magically transported back to 1485 England, where he meets two princes bullied by their tyrant uncle who locked them in prison to steal their throne. Only after Clifton learns the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice can he help the princes escape and find the courage to face his own bully. Befriended by a dwarf, a mythical bird called Simurgh, and a cast of comical characters, Clifton's fantasy adventure through medieval times is perfect for boys and girls of all ages, and the young at heart. For those who like fantasy kids books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

My Take:

Clifton Chase is an average seventh grader with a greater than average talent with a bow, and the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. When Clifton finds a dusty old wooden arrow in the back of his closet, he takes Ryan's bet to see who can hit a bullseye, the old junk arrow against a brand new compound bow.

Ryan nails the bullseye, but the junk arrow flies far wide of the target, sailing out of sight into the sandy dunes. When Clifton finds the arrow, he is shocked to find that it's glowing. When he picks it up, it transports him back in time to 1485 England, right in the thick of the War of the Roses.

Brought back to rescue Prince Edward and Prince Richard from their evil uncle King Richard III, Clifton is aided by a host of mythological creatures and historical figures, and hunted by powerful enemies seeking control of the powerful Arrow of Light he carries. Clifton must learn the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice to activate the Arrow of Light and face the evil king in the past, and his own bully in the future.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - Some guards at a tower are all rather drunk. Nothing you wouldn't see in Sleeping Beauty.

Violence:

G - Even in battle scenes, there's not a lot of blood, but several characters are killed. Someone is eaten by a Sea Monster.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

G - This is Middle Grade fiction. The only adult thing that happens here is some preteen angst and a brief kiss.   

Christian content:

This is a clean MG fantasy, and isn't saturated with any overt references to God. Several times the main character prays for help, and multiple characters rely on God to aid in their time of need. Self Sacrifice and protecting the weak are strong themes, righting injustices and dealing with bullies are central to this work also.

Final analysis:

This was a wonderful delve into the past, well-spiced with mythical creatures like dragons, sea monsters, mermaids, giants, and dwarfs. Just the right mix of fantasy, history, and life lessons to make for an enthralling book every MG boy would enjoy. Several characters were deeply drawn, and the issue of bullying is dealt with well. Fast paced, high stakes, gripping, humorous, Five Stars!

About the Author:

Like stepping into a living dream, Jaimie Engle writes visually stunning fiction where magic turns ordinary into extraordinary. She loves weaving lore into her stories and taking her readers on wondrous adventures. Engle is a cosplayer, podcaster, entrepreneur, and speaker at schools, conferences, and colleges across Florida. theWRITEengle.com

Review: The Summoned King (The Kalymbrian Chronicles, #1) by Dave Neuendorf

The Summoned King (The Kalymbrian Chronicles, #1)

by Dave Neuendorf

Indiana high school senior James Madison Young can best be described as a Renaissance man: intelligent, of good character, and possessed by insatiable curiosity about everything from Krav Maga to robotics. One evening, he falls asleep while studying at the library. He wakes to find himself in another world, filled with magic, danger and romance. He has been summoned by court wizard Maynard to be the king of Kalymbria. Forced into marriage with the beautiful and magically powerful yet untrained Julia Roper for his queen, he must restore the lapsed Constitution in the face of opposition from a hostile Council of Advisors, and defend his new country from the evil machinations of the wizard Ruinga and her allied kingdom of Venicka. Rediscovering the lost art of enchantment may provide him with a powerful edge in his quest, if he can survive the assassins and conspiracies arrayed against him.

My Take:

James Madison Young is a promising high school senior with a bright future. Intelligent, of high moral character, interested in politics and history, and a talent for Krav Maga, he delves deeply into every study he can get his hands on. With a library of nonfiction texts from engineering to history  filling up his Kindle Fire, he finds himself at the school library late one evening doing research, and falls asleep - only to wake up on another planet, where magic and danger abound.

He has been summoned by the court wizard Maynard to be king of Kalymbria. This country 'jobs out' their puppet leadership to protect the real leadership, the Council of Advisors, from blame for the odious legislation they pass, strangling the common people to fill their coffers and their indulgent lifestyle.

Immediately forced into marriage with a beautiful and powerful female wizard, James quickly finds himself the pawn of opposing forces set to tear this weary country apart. Hated by the council, hated by the citizens, and threatened by neighboring countries poised on the brink of invasion, James must refashion the government into a benevolent servant of the people, with no friends and no resources.

With a heart for the common man and a desire to establish a fair democracy modeled after the US, James must stand up to the corrupt Council and avert war with neighboring countries, all while trying to prevent his own assassination!

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There is a minor level of drunkenness involved with some pirates.

Violence:

PG-13 - There are quite a few characters killed by poison darts, or executed by hanging. One family is murdered at their dinner table, a decapitated head is left as a warning. A child is kidnapped. Assassination seems to be an accepted practice.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

PG - Rape and prostitution is discussed, but only from a legal consideration as to punishment. The king and queen, though forced into marriage, remain celibate until they mutually decide to consummate.   

Christian content:

James is a devout Christian and works with a prophet from Kalymbria to bring the bible to this planet. Multiple characters convert to faith following miraculous evidence of God's power and guidance. The spiritual purpose behind James being summoned is explored.

Final analysis:

Sometimes reading a book for review is arduous, but this is not one of those times. I found The Summoned King to be like candy. Fantasy mixes with Faith in this high-stakes roller coaster ride. Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with timeless truth, Neuendorf has hit a home run with this debut treasure. Looking forward to reading more about James and Julia in the pages to come. Five Stars!

About the Author:
Dave Neuendorf has been a lover of fantasy, science fiction, and political thrillers since the 1950's, when he would rather read than romp during recess in school. After decades of making notes of stories he'd like to write, he finally set out to create his own fantasy series in 2015. The first fruit of his efforts is The Summoned King, published in February 2016, as book one of The Kalymbrian Chronicles. Development of the series will proceed as time allows while he continues to pursue his day job as a Java software development consultant. He is also working on his first political thriller.

Dave has been married since 1976 to his one love, Patricia. He is the father of three sons, and grandfather of one young lady and one tiny gentleman, so far. He and his family live with their two dogs, a Samoyed and a Siberian Husky, in Aurora, Indiana.

Dave can be found on Facebook and at his author web site.

Review: How to Remove a Brain and Other Bizarre Medical Practices by David Haviland

How to Remove a Brain and Other Bizarre Medical Practices

by David Haviland

The medical community since Egyptian times has mad an amazing number of advances, but surprisingly, the primitives of the dusty past had some of it right, while much of it was quite barbarically wrong.

From Egyptian brain surgery to Cesarean birth, with every possible outlandish idea in between, David Haviland exposes medical science, and the lack thereof, for what it's been down through the ages. With fascinating tidbits of trivia concerning snake oil and quacks, and why we call them that, the author unpacks and analyzes purported myths like whether Jack the Ripper was a doctor, whether surgical instruments get left in patients, whether criminals harvest organs, why the stethoscope was invented, where birthing forceps were invented, early medical theories like bleeding and miasmas, versus germ theory and the accidental discovery of X-rays.

My Take:

This book was an interesting ride of medical trivia, and I found it quite entertaining and well written. The style was engaging and a bit titillating, the facts generally checked out when I took trouble to check them.

Content:

Even though this is a non-fiction book, figured I'd better put a bit about the content in here.

Violence:
PG - The ravages of many diseases, and post surgical infections are discussed with some candor, and the violence of certain serial killers is described with a light level of detail.

Language:

R - While the majority of the book is squeaky clean, there is an interesting chapter on doctor's shorthand that drops the F-bomb multiple times, as well as a few other expletives.

Adult Content:

R+ - There is quite a bit of medical information on breast enlargement ideas, penile enlargement, and some completely unmentionable other early medical practices that resulted in sterility, death, etc. A frank discussion of bra sizing in the US and abroad, a discourse on STDs, impotence, and sexual contact with patients, as well as early methods of birth control. 

Christian content:

Pretty much nada. While the Hippocratic Oath is discussed in some detail, faith of any sort really doesn't hit the pages here.

Final analysis:
While I found this to be an entertaining read, I would not recommend it for teens or below, as it covers some barbaric practices before anesthesia. A light read, easy to put down or thumb through, with many interesting facts, some quite interesting and informative, some just, well, gut-turning. The writing style was decent and the information seemed well-vetted, but I just couldn't quite pull this one up past Four Stars.

About the Author:

David Haviland is a bestselling author, ghostwriter, and journalist. He lives in London, England. For more amusing trivia, you can check out his website at www.davidhaviland.com.

Review: Shattered Roses: A Beauty and the Beast retelling by E.L. Parfitt

Shattered Roses: A Beauty and the Beast retelling

by E.L. Parfitt

A book for all Beauty and the Beast fans! A contemporary retelling viewed through the eyes of a teenager. Sixteen year old Megan wants to be a doctor. When Megan volunteers at a residential home she meets Lady. Lady tells a fragmented and confusing story of a duke who never aged; his fate tied to the roses that grew in his garden. As Megan hears more of Lady’s tale she is intrigued to know whether the duke existed or if he is a figment of Lady’s imagination. As Megan embarks on unravelling the mystery of the beast a hidden family secret emerges... will it shatter her life forever? 

My Take:

Sixteen year old Megan wants to be a doctor. When she volunteers at a residential home she is tasked with listening to Lady, an ancient woman whose mind seems to be fractured, telling disjointed fragments of a story about a duke who never aged, a duke cursed to have his life tied to the fate of the roses in his garden.

Is the Duke real, or a figment of Lady's misty imagination? Will the magic mirror reveal the truth? As the mystery unravels, Megan learns a hidden family secret that could change her future.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean.

Violence:

G-There is some emotional and slight physical abuse mentioned. There are a couple deaths, none graphic or described.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

PG - There is an oblique reference to a young woman alone in a room with a man, and leaving the end result to the imagination. There is some discussion of periods.  

Christian content:

None.

Final analysis:

This was an intriguing little story, a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with quite a few changes to mix things up and make it interesting. There's more mystery than romance, though. The disjointed visits back in time actually merge well with the modern-day high school angst and family interactions between Megan, her mum, and her little sister Faiza. There are some unexpected twists that make the ending particularly interesting. i found the winter garden and the roses always in bloom to be enchanting, pun intended. Decent world-building, and Megan and Lady seem relatively life-like. Five Stars!

About the Author:
E.L. Parfitt lives an eclectic life between Scotland and France. Currently reading Frank Tayall, Surviving the evacuation series. Often heard saying, ‘If I were to be a vegetable, like Pratchett, I would probably be a carrot... but I don’t do hats’. Storytelling researcher, currently working on ‘Once upon a time. Discovering young people’s lives through storytelling’. A challenge to the current exam culture based on young people’s discussions of their complex relationship with story and their surroundings.