Broken Places by Tracy Clark ~ Book Review

Broken Places by Tracy Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good ending

This book was real slow to start but has potential. The development of the characters was great. I understand where every party was coming from. I must say one of the good things about this novel was I didn’t solve the mystery at all before the last couple of chapters. But beyond that I really had high hopes for this novel it just took me entirely too long to get into it. There are 32 chapters and for me it did t start getting good until mid twentieth chapters.without giving anything away the ending was great I just wished it would’ve given me that same energy throughout the novel.

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Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson ~ Book Review

Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Upon being approached to read this book for a book club I had my doubts. I am wasn't a big Cicely Tyson fan. I had only seen her in a few movies in her later years and Roots. I had no idea the span of her work. I had no idea her history and what a grand history it was. This book is just shy of 500 pages (a big one) and it took me a few days to read it consistently. Ms. Tyson lived just they way she acted as authentically as possible no punches pulled.

I for one didn't know 1/4 of the information she provided. I didn't know she was married to Miles Davis and how Betty Davis began (the tea of it all). Her relationship with some of the great actors of our time (Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Sydney Poitier, there are too many to name). She even had a school named after her.

Getting the backstory of those we deem untouchable is quite interesting. In Cicely Tyson's 90 plus years of life; she experienced quite a lot. I am recommending this book to everyone. It was quite a journey seeing different year marks of national events she witnessed first hand; from wars to civil rights to just living in New York in the 20's. I just feel there was more to be told and I wish she were still here to deliver a part 2.

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"Tempted by Fire (Dragonkeepers Book 2) by Kimber White ~ Book Review

Tempted by Fire by Kimber White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm starting to really get into this dragon series. I normally stick to the werebears, werelions, and werewolves paranormal romance. But Kimber has a writing style that is just pleasant to read and enjoy. It is a very fast read and I look forward to reading Finn's story next.

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Book Review: Duplicity by Michael J. Allen

Duplicity by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With each book the story gets better and better. Michael J. Allen is giving me complete life in Duplicity, the second installment in the Dumpstermancer series. My fellow readers please do yourself a solid one and read the first novel in this series. You cannot, I repeat cannot, start Duplicity without the background story.

This fantasy novel brings it all, fey, action, drama, a comedic love story. It is all over the place but in a chaotic organized way. Eli, the rhets and my girl Marisol kick butt, take names, and do their best to meddle. I really enjoyed this book and the new characters that were brought forth in Duplicity. You will get some answers that explain why book 1 happened the way it did, but you will also get new questions especially in regards to Eli and Adam (dun, dun, dunnnnn!!!).

I cannot wait until Dumpstermancer 3: Disrupted comes out. Allen you left me on the precipice with questions that need to be answered.

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Book Review ~ Discarded by Michael J. Allen

Discarded by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michael J. Allen is a literary genius. I am hooked and glad that there is a continuation of this series. Allen portrays science fiction and fantasy at its best. My initial thought of the novel was that of suspension as I am new to the genre. However, this novel starts off gradually with a great opening scene that pulls you in to find out why people even in a seemingly futuristic setting are still so vain.

While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2

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Book Review ~ Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen

Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Criminal Justice by Michael J. Allen was quite a roller coaster ride. I haven't read too many science fiction novels, but I quite enjoyed this novelette. With that being said it took me a little while to get adjusted to the storyline. Being that this was a short novel, I didn't get the chance to get back stories on the main characters involved.

Allen infused this story with lots of action, and it really did take off with a blast right out of the gate. Tina was one of my favorite characters (I could be partial because I'm a woman); but she to me showed the most range of characters. They whole group had many hard decisions to make out in space on the drop of a dime. Allen moves the story along pretty well to where I did not experience in drag time.

The book did have me feeling a sense of wanting more. I was thoroughly invested in it and believe the storyline could lend itself to a prequel as well as follow up editions.

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo ~ Book Review

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claire Lombardo, my hat's off to you. This was one of the most fun reads I've had this year thus far. This dysfunctional family had me laughing, crying, screaming at characters. It really took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I normally pick a favorite character to relate to when reading novels, but I couldn't pick one in this novel. It felt like I could connect to every character; which is so rare and unlike me. I want the stamina and passion of the parents. The oldest daughter gives me Blanche from Golden Girls vibes and I am absolutely here for it. All of the children have a special place in my heart. The sister's bond, to me, represents the true ups and downs in a sibling's relationship. It's not always sugary sweet and nice. There are sometimes when you want to disconnect and disown; Lombardo displaces that nicely in this novel.

I am looking forward to reading more works by Claire Lombardo. This was a really good read.

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