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​book reviews

To Eris – Human                                                             by Ann Snizek

8/25/2016

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​Ann Snizek, author, introduces “To Eris – Human”:
Humans can't see Lucents... except for Eris.
 
Sixteen-year-old Eris Payton wants more than anything to fit in - struggling to reinvent herself - when she meets Nelson, who offers an escape from her current hell into the unknown shadows of his world, and she can't say no before she learns just how different she really is... changing her life in a way she would never have imagined. Nelson, a lucent, needs Eris to follow him back to Downside before the epidemic gets worse, otherwise his brother will die, but he must convince her that he's real and that her DNA holds the key in time to save his brother and his entire race. Facing truths that challenge everything she thought she knew, Eris discovers the hidden world of Lucents, her own mysterious origins, and how to trust once more. She finds herself and uncovers answers to questions she never thought to ask.
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​I love this story! I love the author’s writing! Ann handles so many things quite well, she has woven an intricate narrative with interesting subplots that stretch the story of Eris, trying to fit into a near human society, into a multi-volume set! She has nailed POV so well, no head-hopping from Ann. Eris and some of the supporting characters are in high school or college, so there is lots of relevance for high school students and YA readers. Even though I am an OA, older adult reader, I enjoyed this story a great deal.
I give this book 4.9 of 5 stars! A wonderful read for all but the youngest readers!
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​You can buy Ann’s book:
https://www.amazon.com/To-Eris-Human-Payton-Chronicles-Book 1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/to-eris-human
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/to-eris-human-ann-snizek

You can follow Ann:
https://twitter.com/HASnizekM1
ann-snizek.com
https://www.facebook.com/PaytonChronicles
https://www.facebook.com/AnnSnizek.author/?fref=ts

​​Copyright © 2016 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction 
​
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Rory Aqua Adventure Man                                           by Michelle Path

8/18/2016

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​Author Michelle Path introduces Rory Aqua Adventure Man:
Rory Aqua Adventure Man is a toy with a dream. All he wants is a new home and someone to play with — otherwise he will end up in The Shredder. Rory’s wish comes true but, after being swept out to sea on a trip to the beach, he finds himself on an epic adventure to find his way back home! Along the way he meets many interesting characters and finds himself in stranger situations than he could have ever expected. Rory soon finds out that his happily ever after is very different from the one he’d imagined.
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Rory Aqua is wonderful book for the pre-teen. He goes through some amazing and relevant adventures. He meets so many interesting and not always benevolent characters as he tries to get back home. Some of his predicaments are very difficult to solve, and he gets help from unexpected places.
Michelle has handled POV quite well and displays a depth of writing I have not seen from her before. There are surprising plot twists, good action and meaningful conversations. It pays a little bit to keep in mind she writes from Australia. No spoiler here though.
I give this book 4.8 of 5 stars!
Michelle is displaying her versatility as an author!
After a series of children’s books, many reviewed here see http://www.wordrefiner.com/previous-book-reviews 
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Rory-Aqua-Adventure
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rory-Aqua-Adventure
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29758105-rory-aqua-adventure-man

You can follow Michelle:
https://twitter.com/mimilovesu
http://michellepath.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/michelle.path
​​
Copyright © 2016 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction 
​
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The Brothers Connolly                                                 by Ted Prokash

8/11/2016

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Author Ted Prokash introduces his book The Brothers Connolly:
Napawaupee, Wisconsin is the hometown you all remember, where the hottest action going is high school football or statutory rape and booze is the salve for what Jesus can't heal . . ." The Connollys of Napawaupee are the quintessential small-town family. They are the "royals of a cast-off kingdom, curators of an inbred knowledge, the keepers of a dull flame . . .
 
In The Brothers Connolly three generations of this proud, prosaic family will be defined by their aspirations, their vices and, finally, by tragedy.
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Ted’s introduction does not begin to describe or hint at the greatness of his writing. His detailed descriptions of the Connollys’ dysfunctions are beyond impressive, magnificent gets close and monumental is a decent adjective. I usually have problems with a book written in Omniscient Narrator, I tend to get confused as we jump from one character’s thoughts to another. Ted solved that problem so well; I was able to follow every last little bit.
O those little bits and pieces, Ted has examined and enlarged the thoughts, interactions and psychiatric strategies of all the characters. These people are real and very three dimensional, their thoughts, hopes and dreams are laid bare for us and at times it is wonderful and sometimes very painful, even distasteful.
This is one family you will not soon forget.
I award 4.9 of 5 stars!
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​You can buy his book:
https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Connolly-Ted-Prokash
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brothers-Connolly-Ted-Prokash
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28164559-the-brothers-connolly
 
You can follow Ted:
https://twitter.com/joylesshouse 
http://www.joylesshousepublishing.com/ 

​
Copyright © 2016 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction ​
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Rescuing Lara                                           Romancing The Guardians, book one                      by Lyn Horner

8/4/2016

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Author Lyn Horner introduces “Rescuing Lara: Romancing The Guardians, book One”
Lara Spenser is running for her life. She guards a treasured relic from ages past that no one outside a select group is supposed to know about. Yet, an evil one has learned of its existence and his minions are hot on Lara’s trail. Although she has escaped to Ireland and is living under an alias, her special sixth sense tells her the “Hellhounds” are growing near. Injured in a car wreck that killed her beloved uncle, she is desperate for someone to act as her bodyguard.
Enter Connor O’Shea, ex-Special Forces soldier. Now the foreman for a crew of oil and gas well firefighters, Conn is on an extended vacation after a devastating explosion on his last job. Out of curiosity, he answers Lara’s ad for a “strong chauffeur” and takes on the job of guarding her temporarily.
Conn has his hands full, not only keeping Lara safe but also trying to help her recover from deep physical and emotional wounds. As days and weeks pass the two grow closer and romance blooms, but their tenuous peace is shattered one terrifying night by Lara’s pursuers. Conn may prove his ability to protect her, but can he help her fulfill her destiny as High Guardian of apocalyptic secrets? Can he rescue her from the soul-deep pain that holds her prisoner?
 
Find the answers in Rescuing Lara, book one in this tantalizing series, Romancing the Guardians.
​
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I was a little skeptical about reading a book with a hunky guy on the cover. But I was intrigued by an ancient artifact guarded by a secret society. Hellhounds sound a little lame to me, but ex-special forces Conner hinted at the possibility of some action.
I enjoyed the book a lot, Lyn has a knack for describing so many aspects of daily life for someone living in a wheelchair hiding overseas. She did a nice job of preserving POV, I get easily confused when an author starts head hopping.
I would have liked more background about the Hellhounds and their master. But since this is only book one, I am confident about further revelations to flesh this story out. The sexy parts were very sexy, a little more than I am accustomed to.
I rate this book 4.6 of 5 stars!
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The book is available:
https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Lara-Romancing-Guardians
 
You can follow Lyn:
https://lynhorner.com/ 
https://twitter.com/LynHornerAuthor 

​
Copyright © 2016 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction ​
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