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​book reviews

The Phantom Seer by J. D. Edwards

9/24/2022

49 Comments

 
Multi-genre, multi-volume author, J. D. Edwards introduces us to his science fiction story, “The Phantom Seer”:
Sam’s future lies in the past but like Sisyphus, changing history is a punishment he must continue to pay. When Sam discovers a timepod containing a cryptic note from the future, he chooses to fulfill his destiny and restore the timeline rather than allowing the government to confiscate his discovery. After failing to change the course of human events on a grand scale, Sam crisscrosses time to modify historical events on a smaller scale. Earning the moniker of “The Phantom Seer”, Sam discovers that even the smallest stone can create a broad ripple in the ocean of time. For Sam, a single choice can save the lives of millions but endanger his own. How much is a single life worth?

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Science fiction is my favorite genre, stories about time travel are at the top of that list also. This story was completely entertaining and dealt with historical events in a gentle manner. The author did a marvelous job of incorporating events and themes from the Bible. No spoilers from me! I give this story 4.9 stars.
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Seer-J-D-Edwards-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-the-phantom-seer 

I reviewed another book by the author: 
Indomitable: The Story of Eliza Harris by J. D. Edwards - Word Refiner
 
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/FaerieRealms 
https://www.facebook.com/FaerieRealms 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/twyrch 
https://www.wattpad.com/user/FaerieRealms 
https://www.instagram.com/twyrch 
https://www.pinterest.com/twyrch 
https://www.tiktok.com/@faerierealms 
 
Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction
49 Comments

Big Foot and The Bentley by Mary Lu Scholl

9/10/2022

54 Comments

 
Multi-volume, cozy mystery author, Mary Lu Scholl introduces us to the second book in the Nature Coast Calamities series, “Big Foot and The Bentley”:
"There are more things..." Life in Citrus County Florida, on the Nature Coast has Bernie scratching his head. There's no shortage of mysteries and an occasional murder. Bernie is Irish, and the mythology seems to have followed him. With the help of his brother and friends, he encounters Big Foot. Or does he?

This is a man's Cozy mystery - A Brozie - and will have you chuckling all afternoon.

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I have enjoyed several of Scholl's books and this is no exception. I quite like it. She has some of the people from another series in this story, yet she keeps the focus comfortably on Bernie and his brother, Ralph. They get along like most siblings.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I heard many tales about Big Foot, AKA Sasquatch. Even the few hints and incidental encounters add intrigue to this story.
A Bentley is a luxurious car and the mystery surrounding it makes this story even more fun.
I think you will love this story as much as I did. Enjoy!

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Foot-Bentley-Nature-Calamities-ebook
 

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/MaryLScholl1 
https://maryluscholl.blogspot.com 
www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor/ 

My review of "Sorry Bigfoot Safari" is here: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/sorry-bigfoot-safari 

My review of the fourth book in the Nature Coast Calamities, "Pu'ka and the Pirates": 
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/puka-and-the-pirates 

My review of the first book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Camper Catastrophe”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/camper-catastrophe-by-mary-lu-scholl 
My review of the second book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Mobile Mayhem”: Mobile Mayhem: Book Two of Trailer Park Travails by Mary Lu Scholl - Word Refiner 
​
My review of the third book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Birds, Bees and RVs”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/birds-bees-and-rvs-by-mary-lu-scholl 
My review of the fourth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Trailer Trauma”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/trailer-trauma-trailer-park-travails-book-4 
My review of the ninth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, "Fatal Philandering": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/fatal-philandering 

My review of "Rhiannon: Lady Leprechaun" is here:   www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/rhiannon-lady-leprechaun 

Tags: cozy, murder, mystery, Florida, pets, dog, cat, neighbors, fiction, action
 
Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction 
54 Comments

Three Blood Prince by G. David Walker

9/9/2022

53 Comments

 
Multi-volume, multi-genre author G. David Walker introduces us to urban, paranormal fantasy, “Three Blood Prince”:
J.D. Williams’ parents have kept a secret from him and his big sister, Megan, for their entire lives. Now, that secret might just get J.D. killed.
The arrival of a strange girl at his school sets J.D. on a journey which will completely change the course of his life as well as that of his sister. Together, they discover that none of the closest people in their lives, from their parents to J.D.’s best friend, are who they thought they were. Which means neither are J.D. and Megan.
J.D. becomes the target of a dark Fae who believes his blood contains the key to ultimate power. She will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, sending bloodthirsty creatures of nightmares and legends in pursuit of him and his family, from their home in the Ozarks to the shores of northern Scotland.
With teeth and claws potentially lurking in every shadow, the Williams need any allies they can find to keep J.D. safe from the malevolent creatures hunting him and stop their dark mistress forever.

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I have read two other books by Mr. Walker and he is getting better in his craft! I see improvement in his character development and dialogue. His story is not to be missed!
The relationship between JD and his older sister seems very normal and there is a lot of interaction between them. The parents seem typical until they are forced to reveal the truth about their identity to their children. It gets rather complicated after that. No spoilers from me!
Mr. Walker has done a marvelous job of respecting the familiar tropes of most fantasy stories and spun them into something quite good.
I am fervently hoping this is merely the first volume of several. This is such a good start! If you like fast-paced action, urban fantasy and a decent dose of the paranormal you have found a home.

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Blood-Prince-David-Walker-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-three-blood-prince 
 
You can connect with the author:
https://twitter.com/gdavidwalker 
https://gdavidwalker.com 
https://www.amazon.com/G.-David-Walker 
https://www.facebook.com/gdavidwalker 
https://www.instagram.com/g_david_walker 
 
This is my first review of a book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/jabens-rift-by-g-david-walker 
This is my review of another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/redemptions-edge 
 
Tags: urban fantasy, high school, modern paranormal, dark, action, quest, family 
 
Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

53 Comments

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista

9/3/2022

62 Comments

 
Multi-volume, historical-fantasy author, Jay Veloso Batista introduces us to the fourth volume in his wonderful series, “Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire”:
Battles and adventure crisscross the Viking Age! From monumental sea clashes to beleaguered mountain strongholds to war with the tribes of Eire, circumstance drives the scattered Agneson clan across the known world. And beyond the lands of Midgard, mythic hidden folk challenge our forerunner hero. The award-winning Forerunner Series epic continues….

Fleeing an arranged marriage, Kara escapes across the narrow sea to follow her warrior dreams. Escaping slavery, Cub joins Rollo’s horde in Britany, while his outlawed brother Sorven fights for survival in the Welsh mountains. Uncle Karl and his warriors rally to Harald Tanglehair in his ambition to unify the wild kingdoms of the North Way, and young Thorfinn is left behind, safe and secure in a tiny fishing village... or is he?

Kara gains her place in king of Dublinn’s ranks to prove her mettle, but being a warrior is not what she expected, and what of these new feelings she finds for her closest companion? Will Karl and his crew perish in the great battle of Hafrsfjord? And how will an unprepared Thorfinn survive kidnapping by an 8-armed giant, leaving behind worried friends and a very angry dragon?

Don’t miss this 5-star epic fantasy critics are calling “whimsical and gritty,” with “fabulous, engaging characters.” If you enjoy the history of The Last Kingdom and Nordic myths and legends, the Forerunner Series is a grand tale not to be missed!
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I love how the author keeps the family members that are scattered far and wide connected. While it seems like four stories at times, it is only one story about the different family members. They go through trials and tribulations that are quite staggering at times.
The plotting is so well done it flows seamlessly from one character to the next. I love how Finn is able to bring comfort to fearful hearts in the family.
The blending of history and the Viking worldview is quite enjoyable; I have learned a lot about Viking customs and religion from reading the series.
I love this book and the series!
Five stars from me!
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Kara-Shieldmaiden-Eire-Forerunner-Book-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire-jay-veloso-batista
My review of the first book, “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse
My review of the second book, “The Vardoger Boy”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-vardoger-boy
My review of the third book, “On Viking Seas”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/on-viking-seas
 
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/JayVBatista
https://www.jayvelosobatista.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/jayvelosobatista
http://www.facebook.com/jayvelosobatista
http://www.instagram.com/jayvelosobatista
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jay-veloso-batista
https://www.goodreads.com/JayVelosoBatista
 
Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction 
62 Comments

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