The Society of S
Susan Hubbard

 A wonderful coming of age tale of a girl’s struggles with the end of the innocence while dealing with adolescence and being a mixed breed offspring (of vampire and of mortal).  Her father is a vampire and her mother a mortal, now Ari must decide her fate, does she wish to follow her father and become a vampire or does she wish to be mortal?  Ari sets out to find her mother and to make her decision, the majority of the tale is Ari’s search for her mother.  If you enjoy vampire tales you will enjoy The Society of S, others may find this an enjoyable read while others will put this one away after a few chapters. 

The Stephen King Library Desk Calendar 2008

Let Stephen King bring you days of dread, weeks of worry, and months of mayhem via this awesome spiral bound desk calendar.

This exclusive Stephen King Library Desk Calendar for 2008 is packed with essays, creepy facts, trivia, and games—365 chances to step into Stephen King’s chilling universe.

Find out your SK IQ with questions like, “Which King book’s original title was Second Coming?” and “Which novel serves as King’s homage to Rebecca?” Take the Dead or Alive quiz, which asks readers to recall which King characters survived their personal hell and which didn’t. You’ll also get a taste of The Dark Tower; King’s suggestions for the best movies to watch on a cold, wintry night; personal stories from King and some of his fans; and so much more.

There was a printing error of the second part of the two-piece selection beginning the week of March 31 which should have been continued on the week of April 7 was not included in the calendar. The corrected section was enclosed as labels with the missing text to place over the incorrect text that appears on the week of April 7.

Even with the printing error this is a great piece for all the Stephen King fans and a must have.

The Daemon in Our Dreams
John F. Rooney
Senneff House Publishers
PO Box 11601, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
ISBN: 9780975275672, $14.95
http://www.senneffhouse.com
Reviewed by Quality Book Reviews

The Daemon in Our Dreams is a suspenseful tale, the author has integrated a mix of characters and a strange mix of travel fiction and ghost stories.

The stories opening begins with the cold-blooded assassination of three people in a London pub by a Indian man, the novel outlines the prequel to this seemingly senseless triple killing. Three travelers, whom are strangers and are connected only by a shared Asian itinerary, and each have begun to have eerie, frightening dreams involving this Indian man. As it becomes apparent to each of these individuals that the others are also haunted by the same man, each begin to see the man from their dreams manifest in broad daylight. As they make their way from one port to another, this man, whom they have come to call “Ramesh,” is able to keep pace with them.. These three people, none of whom know each other, all meet on a cruise that ends up, in India. They discover that they’ve been haunted by the same visions, and they attempt to figure out what it all means. The tension escalates as they start seeing the actual dream man in all the different ports, and the appearances seem to be more threatening. What will become of the three travelers? Will the dreams come true or are they truly dreams, I think they are nightmares that I would not want to live in.

Pick up a copy to see how the above issues are resolved, and enter the nightmare yourself.

Cimmerian City
by Rae Lindley

The setting is Arizona, and Raven Blackheart is a Crow Indian from California, Raven is a college student that is haunted by bad dreams and strange feelings. Raven lost her mother when she was five and went to live with her father and sister, now it seems once again her life is being upset by the current happenings. She is missing class, turning in assignments late and just is not measuring up to what she could and should be. Thank goodness for Jack, Jack is Raven’s boyfriend and roommate and he believes in her and supports her but lately does not understand her short fuse.

As the many events unfold within the pages we are confronted with Tech Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, a drug Delanin with some very uncanny side effects. This is one story that has a high impact punch, a great plot that is fast paced and so intriguing that you cannot put this one down. Within the covers of this book you will discover a variety of crisis which is in the minds of everyone including global warming, war, violence, pollution, medical, pharmaceuticals and economical issues.

Cimmerian City is an intense read with many layers and issues to uncover throughout this story. I look forward to her future releases in this trilogy. This is another highly recommended read and a definite 5 stars.

Acacia: Book One: The War With The Mein

Acacia, Book One: The War With The Mein
by David Anthony Durham
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-50606-9
http://www.davidanthonydurham.com
Doubleday
A Division of Random House, Inc.
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Acacian has ruled the Known World for twenty-one generations.  Leodan Arkan is the ruler of the Known World and a widower; he has lived his life in the shadows of his ancestors and is bound by their actions.  Now the Mein, the race that was exiled and vanquished to the frozen northern reaches of the empire plan to take over the Acacian empire.

Hanish Mein leads his people and launches surprise attacks across the Acacian empire.  Hanish Mein will lead his people out of exile and back into Acacia.  Leodan is assassinated and his four children must be separated and are scattered to different corners of the empire.  The Mein triumph and win over acacia.  Now Leodan’s children Aliver the former heir to the throne, Corinn the eldest daughter, Mena the youngest sister and Dariel the youngest brother begin their quest to avenge their fathers’ death.  They will unite and rise to free Acacia and restore the Acacian empire.

Durham weaves an intricate web among all of his characters.  The story has a steady flow of action and suspense which makes this an engaging and exciting read.  He has an immense writing skill of incorporating a fantasy that is in a sense historical and a political thriller.  Acacia is the first in this new trilogy.

Durham has penned an incredibly engaging story, if you crave an imaginatively crafted story that will grab you and not let go, this is it.  I anxiously await the next in this new trilogy.

The Eye of Alloria

 

The Eye of Alloria
by Rae Lindley
ISBN: 978-0-9793674-0-3
Illustrated Novella,  107 pages
http://www.raelori.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Eye of Alloria takes place in the late 21st century here on Earth.  With new technological advances man has been able to create machines that merge with bodies of their fallen comrades.

After the banning of technology the ruler of Orland, Saron Bravewind learns his daughter has an incurable illness.  Saron is now on the search of finding a higher life to help his daughter.  Will he find what he is looking for or will he find something so unthinkable?

Lindley has penned a novella that encompasses both fantasy and science fiction.  Her characters are interesting and distinctive.  She has a great imagination as well as the ability to ignite the imagination of her readers.  The Eye of Alloria contains two of Lindley’s talents; her artwork enhances the plot, each complimenting the other.

Rachel “Rae” Lindley is a writer, artist and filmmaker.  She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bridge of the Gods

 

Bridge of the Gods
book 1 of 6
by Len Robertson
ISBN: 0-595-12418-6   $26.95
iUniverse
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Bridge of the Gods follows Mary Brown, a middle aged divorced mother that finds her life turned upside down.  One Saturday morning she finds herself not only carjacked but kidnapped as well.  She is taken into the world of Galatia.  Here she finds herself in a new body with new abilities and a new fate that awaits her.

Mary learns she has been wisked away to this new world in order to save it.  But Mary’s life becomes more complicated when she meets Fred as his expectations of her saving the world are stern.  Will Mary be able to save this world with her new found abilities?

Robertson has developed a steady plot as well as some very interesting characters.  Bridge of the Gods is an entertaining read, although the book has a few typos, it is very well written.  I look forward to reading book 2.

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt

 

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt
Adventure One:  The Castle Tower Lighthouse
by Patrick H. T. Doyle

Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt

Adventure One:  The Castle Tower Lighthouse

By Patrick H.T. Doyle
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere.  Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead.  The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children’s aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China.  The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather.  Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime.  Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery.  As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children’s book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age.  The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader.  The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one.  This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come.  I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family.  I cannot wait until Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July.  I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story.  Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett.  Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone.  It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation.  A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended.  I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

The Bone Whistle
by Eva Swan
Juno Books
ISBN 10: 0-8095-5792-4
ISBN 13:  978-0-8095-5792-9
208 pages,  $12.95
Fantasy – Romance
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The setting is Lakota reservation in Greenview, South Dakota.  Darly is a twenty year old and lives with her mother just outside of Denver.   Every summer she accompanies her mother to an isolated cabin on the edge of Lakota reservation in South Dakota.  This is no way for a college student to spend her summer vacation.

Darly is bored and has made the decision that this will be the last year she will accompany her mother to the reservation.  Darly likes seeing Grandpa Jack and this year he gives her a bone whistle that has two blue feathers attached, he tells Darly when she gets good and bored to blow the whistle.  She waits all of two weeks before blowing the whistle and learns the truth about her family and her father.  She had believed her father was dead, but he is not dead nor human, but is wanaghi.  Wanaghi are a shape changing people who left their tribes centuries before and now live in a magical land beneath the hill.

On the search for her father she is accompanied by Osni, but what she finds is a  conflict among the wanaghi.  Now she must choose her heart and feelings she has developed for Osni or her family.  Will Darly be able to resolve the conflict between them?  Before anything else she must discover own powers which puts her on a path of self-discovery.

Eva Swan combines both Native American and Celtic legends into a romantic fantasy.  The author takes us through the story by different character perspectives.  Her characters are believable and she maintains a good plot.  This is Eva Swans debut fantasy novel, the only problem I found was that as a reader you need to pay attention as the author has point of view changes into different characters perspective which can cause some confusion while reading.  I truly enjoyed the both the Native American and Celtic concepts she has incorporated into the story.

Eva Swan is the pseudonym for the author, editor, and artist, who is of Native American descent, who currently reside in
England.  I was unable to locate a website for the author to include with the review.

The Strangeling

 

The Strangeling
by Saskia Walker
Juno Books
ISBN: 978-0-8095-5793-6 $9.95
Fantasy
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

http://www.saskiawalker.co.uk/
http://ideaboutique.blogspot.com/2007/02/strangeling-by-saskia-walker.html
http://www.saskiawalker.blogspot.com/

The setting is Edren a fantasy world created by the author who has a magical imaginative spark in storytelling.

The Strangeling is an erotic fantasy novel that revolves around Maerose, a beautiful young woman with magical powers. Maerose is the heroine and Bron is her hero. Bron is an elder and goes on the quest of rescuing Maerose from her captor, Veldor who is a former elder himself. Veldor’s intentions are malicious as he seeks to mate with Maerose in order to master the demons and rule the lands.Veldor is knowledgeable on the prophecy made around 100 years ago; the prophecy is one of a chilling nature where the undead armies of Crondor and Yaxlan rise up from the underworld with great power. As the prophecy has foretold of a maiden that can save the forest and the elders all believe this to be Maerose due to the revelations revealed about the prophecy. Will good conquer evil or will evil prevail in this fascinating fantasy?

The Strangeling is a short fantasy novel that is packed with vivid details and a precise amount of action. Walker writes the story with impact and the story is a superbly crafted erotic fantasy. The characters are well developed with detail and the author manages to tie the characters together well.

This is the first of the author’s works I have had the pleasure of reviewing and have to admit I am hooked. I look forward to her new release next month which is also a fantasy entitled “Unveiling The Sorceress”.

Saskia Walker is a British author of erotic romance, fantasy and erotica. Her idea for this novel began at a tender age of between 8 and 9 when she first became interested in paganism and her parents took her to visit Stonehenge.Saskia Walker earned her BA with honors from the University of Sussex, and has a MA in Literature and Visual Arts from theUniversity of Reading. She currently resides north of London with her true love Mark.

A Magical 5 stars for The Strangeling!