Outage Book Two: The Awakening by T.W. Piperbrook

Synopsis

The first several pages of the story parallel Abby and Rob's experiences that take place in Outage. Then the story picks up where Abby's story ends. Tom has lost his wife and is on the run, desperately trying to escape the creatures that seem to be everywhere. He knows his odds of survival are slim, but he is determined to go down fighting if need be.

Along the way, he picks up two young, stranded survivors and together they seek refuge from the storm and the creatures dwelling in it. Will they find safety? Can they survive the night? 

When it comes to Piperbrook's fast-paced, spellbinding way of telling a story, anything is possible.

Publisher: Post Script Publishing
Print Length: 93 pages

Cover Art: Keri Knutson
Editor: Cathy Moeschet
Proofreader: Linda Tooch

Review
Kindle Edition
5 out of 5 stars

Everything I loved about Outage (book one) is found in its sequel. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a thrill ride. From the first page to the last, the story engages and delivers a fun experience to the reader. I found I could not put the book down once I started reading. 

T.W. Piperbrook is a talented writer and storyteller. Though the book is relatively short, each page is packed with excitement and what I think of as "concentrated story." What do I mean by that? Well, think of one of your favorite books, take out the fluff, and you have story-concentrate. That's not to say this book is lacking in character development and descriptive scenes; it has just enough of both to keep the story vivid in the mind's eye. 

As a writer and editor/proofreader, I sometimes forget that reading is supposed to be for pleasure, not just "work." Outage Book Two was pure pleasure reading for me, and it was great to experience that again! The book is both edited and proofread very well, which was refreshing since I didn't find myself getting distracted by errors.

I have a hard time recommending this book only to those who are fans of horror. Outage Book Two: The Awakening is a story that can be enjoyed by just about anyone who likes an engaging, fun tale. Don't miss out on this series!

Purchase Outage and Outage Book Two: The Awakening on Amazon.

My review of Outage (book one) can be found here.

About the Author

T.W. Piperbrook was born and raised in Connecticut, where he can still be found today. In addition to writing, the author has also spent time as a full-time touring musician, touring across the US, Canada, and Europe.

He now lives with his wife, a son, and the spirit of his Boston Terrier.

Follow Piperbrook on Facebook

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Visit his website here!

Something to Fight For (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Book 5) by W.J. Lundy

Synopsis

Brad and his team have returned to the United States only to find that the nation is as devastated as the rest of the world. The Primals are not the only threat to those who survived the outbreak. Hunger, disease, and other survivors are bigger problems to contend with. 

There seems to be a glimmer of hope, however, as Brad's team is enlisted to recover the key to developing a cure to the Primal virus. Time is not on their side as others seek the same objective. This is where loyalty and trust part ways, leaving the team questioning everything they have been fighting for.

Meanwhile, one soldier finds himself in the position of keeping the key to the cure protected at all costs.   

This is a Zombie War Story.

Publisher: PHALANX PRESS; 1 edition (December 10, 2014)
Print Length: 333 pages

Review
Five out of Five Stars (I would give it more, if it made sense to do so)
Purchase Something to Fight For on Amazon

When I read the very first book in this series by W.J. Lundy, I never expected it to gradually become my favorite zombie apocalypse series— there was some tough competition for that spot. Up until Something to Fight For, I considered the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series one of my favorites. By the time I got half-way through this most recent installment, I knew that had changed.

Enough of my fangirling. I will tell you why I like Something to Fight For so much. First, of all the books in this series, this has the most depth; the characters continue to develop, the plot is becoming more intense, and there are some new, interesting characters added to the mix. 

Another reason I like this book so much has to do with the side story that is woven through the plot. The story of Brad and his crew eventually connects with this side story, and I can't help but hope Lundy follows up on this twist as he continues the series. 

What is the "side story" I'm referring to? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but it has to do with a former soldier who finds himself in the position of being the sole protector of a little girl. The story that follows the man and the little girl is both terrifying and endearing. Their story sucked me in and kept me thoroughly engaged to the point where I felt emotionally invested in the book.

W.J. Lundy's storytelling has gotten better with each new book and this one is no exception. I recommend this series highly to fans of zombie fiction, military fiction, horror, suspense, and anyone looking for a fun, excellent read.

About the Author 

W. J. Lundy is a still-serving Veteran of the U.S. Military with service in Afghanistan. He has over 14 years of combined service with the Army and Navy in Europe, the Balkans, and Southwest Asia. W.J. is an avid athlete, writer, backpacker, and shooting enthusiast. He currently resides with his wife and daughter in Central Michigan.

I developed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series from notes and ideas I had put together while deployed to Afghanistan. I had been jokingly asked how we would defend against a zombie attack. Escaping the Dead was written in a small spiral notebook and later clicked one key at a time into a word document once I arrived back home. At the success of the short story, the series was born.

All along, I wanted to tell a story that portrays the military that I know, the people I serve with, their characteristics, and something that shows our true, actual capabilities. These are my thoughts. I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for reading.

Follow W.J. Lundy on Facebook and Twitter.

Whispers by Heath Stallcup

Synopsis
Some loves transcend time. Some loves were never meant to be. Some loves are cut short by the evil of others. When Sheriff James Tolbert and his fiancé were killed by a malicious rancher and his cutthroat minions, nobody could expect that the very passion that fueled their love would be the same passion that fueled ghostly revenge. When grave robbers unearth Sheriff Tolbert's tomb searching for Old West relics, a vengeful spirit is unleashed on a small Texas town hellbent on revenge. If those responsible couldn't be made to pay, then their progeny would, and they would pay in the most bloody and horrific manner the spirit could dream of. Can modern day law enforcement stop a spirit destined to fulfill an oath made in death? Even when aided by a Texas Ranger and UCLA Paranormal Investigators, how can they stop something that is already dead and buried?

Publisher: May December Publications (October 2013)
Print Length: 475 pages

Review
5 Stars out of 5
Amazon Kindle Version

Heath Stallcup is a great storyteller and this book is just another example of that truth. Whispers is a ghost story in the purist sense of the word. That is what I like most about it. It is reminiscent of the kinds of ghost stories told around a campfire where every snap of a tree branch or falling acorn makes you jump. Who doesn't like that? That's a rhetorical question; don't answer it.

Stallcup's characters are well-developed and rich in personality. The storyline has a western vibe to it, but that doesn't mean it will only appeal to readers who like westerns. There isn't anything about this story I didn't like. It provides just the right amount of everything that I love in a story: action, revenge, good versus evil, interesting character interactions, and a great scare factor.

I recommend Whispers highly!

Purchase Whispers on Amazon. 

About the Author
Heath Stallcup was born in Salinas, California and relocated to Tupelo, Oklahoma in his tween years. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in Charleston, SC and Bangor, WA shortly after junior college. After his second tour he attended East Central University where he obtained BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He then served ten years with the State of Oklahoma as a Compliance and Enforcement Officer while moonlighting nights and weekends with his local Sheriff's Office. He still lives in the small township of Tupelo, Oklahoma with his wife and three of his seven children. He steals time to write between household duties, going to ballgames, being a grandfather to five and being the pet of numerous animals that have taken over his home. Visit him on Facebook or heathstallcup.com for news of his upcoming releases.

Rock and Roll Highway: The Robbie Robertson Story by Sebastian Robertson

Synopsis

Book Cover taken from Amazon

Written as a children's book, this is the story of Robbie Robertson as told by his son, Sebastian. The story shares Robbie Robertson's experiences growing up in Canada with his Native American mom and how they helped shape him into the musician and songwriter he ultimately became. It is a story about working hard, taking risks, and being brave enough to make dreams come true. Rock and Roll Highway is beautifully illustrated and includes an interview with Robbie Robertson at the end.   

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (October 21, 2014)
Print Length: 40 pages
Ages: 6-9

Review
Five out of Five Stars
This review can also be found on Amazon

My most cherished memories of my dad include sitting around on Friday nights, listening to his extensive record collection. He introduced me to the "oldies" like Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, and The Band. I've been fan of Robbie Robertson ever since, so I had to have this book.

I purchased this in the Kindle format, which works very well. If I were still a classroom teacher, however, I would definitely want the hardcover and it would be in my library. The story is well told, the illustrations are beautiful (even on the Kindle), and the content is suitable—even beneficial—for children of all ages.

There are many valuable lessons that can be taken from Rock and Roll Highway. Probably the most prominent lesson is that dreams can come true with hard work and taking risks. The value of family and heritage is woven throughout the story. The interview at the end of the book is an especially nice feature. Sebastian Robertson encourages children to interview their own parents and write down their story.

My favorite line of the book comes from Robbie Robertson himself. In the interview, Sebastian asks his dad what some of his favorite books are. Robbie names his favorite authors and then goes on to say that reading helped to expand his vocabulary as well as influenced some of his songs. He finished the interview by saying, "Gotta read to write." As a reader and an author, I absolutely love this!

I recommend this book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and fans of Robbie Robertson.

About the Author (Source: Amazon.com)
Sebastian Robertson lives in Los Angeles with his family. In addition to his writing, he is a songwriter and composer whose work has been featured in numerous films and television shows. Visit Sebastian's author page on Amazon for more information.

The China Pandemic (Graham's Resolution, Book 1) by A.R. Shaw

Synopsis

What the world dreads most has happened—because of a mutated avian bird flu (H5N1) pandemic. It has ravaged the globe. Only 2% of the population has survived. A dying mother knows that her young child is among the few immune to the virus. What will she do to ensure his survival before her own coming tragic death? 

Meanwhile, Graham has buried his last remaining family member. Following his father's advice to make it to the family cabin, he meets with triumph and tragedy, learning new rules along the way. Just when he thinks he's finally got a handle on this new world, he's taken by surprise as he learns he's not alone. A hidden, yet vulnerable, community of Preppers are nearby. Will he find the strength to escape these dangers and go on living? And more importantly, will he have the ability to protect those he's come to trust? 

Publisher: Self Published

Print Length: 280 pages

Review

Five out of Five Stars

This is the first book in A.R. Shaw's Graham's Resolution series. I heard of this series months before reading The China Pandemic, but it wasn't on my "short list" of books to read. I had the honor of meeting the author at the Long Beach ComicCon in September and decided to bump it up the list. As a person, A.R. Shaw is a class-act; her intelligence, respect for her readers, and dedication to her craft shine through in her writing. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from The China Pandemic since it doesn't have zombies as part of its dystopian scenario. Once I started reading it, however, I wasn't able to put it down. I grew attached to the unforgettable main character from the start, as well as every other protagonist as they were introduced. The characters have depth, realistic emotions, and are very likable. The characters—both male and female—are strong, but not unbelievably so. 

The story itself is an interesting one, and scary in the sense that it seems plausible. Shaw created a world where survival is a day-to-day struggle. The plot is filled with action, making it seem like a quick read, in spite of its length. 

I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dsytopian fiction, those who like "shit hits the fan" scenarios, people interested in the prepper lifestyle, and anyone who likes an intriguing, well-told story.

Purchase The China Pandemic from Amazon. 

About the Author
A. R. Shaw, born in south Texas, served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1987 through 1991 as a Communications Radio Operator, where she served at the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS Station) at Kelly AFB, Texas.

Her first novel, The China Pandemic, (2013) hit #1 in Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic genres in May of 2014. Hailed as "eerily plausible" and her characters "amazingly detailed," Shaw continues the engaging series in post-apocalyptic (SHTF) fiction.

She lives with her family in eastern Washington State, where after the deep snow of winter finally subsides to glorious rays of summer; she treks northeast to spend her days writing alongside the beautiful Skagit River.
You can contact A. R. Shaw directly at (AR@AuthorARShaw.com) or through her website at (AuthorARShaw.com)

Splinter (Banished from Hell) by H.J. Harry

Synopsis

For close to a thousand years they waited, waited for the old knowledge to fade away into the mists of myth. Imprisoned, banished, and separated, they waited as the population grew to numbers that could sustain their appetites. Humanity developed habits that made them fat; slow and ripe, memories of the old ways forgotten. They waited for a re-birth of the time of legend, for the time when demons ruled and man was naught but the fodder upon which they fed. They waited for the time when the old gods die and the new were anxious to take their place. They waited for today.
 
A young man resisted the sweet words of compulsion, forsaking money and unlimited power to be with the woman he loves. It was a condemning of his self to the focus of a demon who had once been banished to a minuscule grain of sand. A demon worthy enough to turn that grain of sand into the vehicle that starts the destruction of the sum of humanities freedom, enslaving an entire species to his will he knows that he can do what no other has. A thousand years ago he was accused of having a god complex when already he has done what god would never do.  God complex hell, he was god and the earth should rue the day, every day. 

Publisher: Self
Print Length: 229 pages


Review
5 out of 5 Stars
Kindle Version, Kindle Unlimited

I've read a few short stories and another book written by H.J. Harry, so I was looking forward to reading Splinter (Banished from Hell) when I found out it was available. 

The story begins with a creepy vibe that drew me in right away. The creepiness only intensifies as the story progresses, creating a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down book that reminded me of some of Dean Koontz's earlier novels. 

The author doesn't just tell a good story, though; he tells a good story well. I love the little details he includes when it comes to the scenes and his characters. The details are not the tedious kind... he includes just enough to make the characters memorable and the scenes vivid. This tale of classic "good vs. evil" has enough layers to appeal to all types of horror fans. 

I am guessing there will be a Splinter Two, and I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Purchase on Amazon: Splinter (Banished from Hell) 

About the Author
H.J. Harry was born Joseph Hansen In the early sixties. Raised in the northern mid west by parents of faith and good will he went on to do many things as he focused on writing in his spare time. Thirty some years later he self publishes for the first time. 

A natural storyteller, who sees things with a different skew than most, he has focused on keeping things fresh and fast paced. If you came here to see a list of jobs you can just pick something and H.J. has probably done it especially in the blue collar non-agriculture fields. 

Mostly a YA author, you will see multiple fiction genres coming available in future months from true-to-life fiction, to prehistoric fantasy, to post apocalyptic, including zombies. When H.J. Harry is not writing, drawing his covers or fishing, then he is working in his private wood shop, working on his house, helping a friend on their projects, driving a semi or trying to finagle time to go fishing.

All Things Zombie: The Gathering Horde by ATZ Publications

Synopsis

This collection of zombie stories features some of the top zombie authors in the genre; T.W. Piperbrook, A.J. Brown, Chris Philbrook and Eric A. Shelman. There are many newcomers here too, having had their dream of being published realized for the first time. You will find that telling them apart may be difficult - we had hundreds of submissions, and this is the cream of the crop. We hope you enjoy this romp through the apocalypse.

Publisher: ATZ Publications, November 7, 2014


Review
I give The Gathering Horde Five out of Five Stars

*Disclaimer one of the stories in this book was written by me, but my story is just one of the awesome stories in this book.*

I'm going to keep this review short. I've been super busy with my novel and need to get back to it. I just had to take the time to share this gem of a book. There are stories here by some well-known names in the zombie/horror genre as well as some new authors. 

The publishers and editors did a fantastic job selecting the best stories out of over one hundred that were submitted. I am truly impressed with the talent of the authors who wrote for this book as well as in the editing that was done. This is ATZ's debut publication, but the quality and professionalism put into this work are first-class.

If you're a fan of The Walking Dead, horror, zombies, or just being entertained, this is the book for you!  

It's only $2.99 or free if you have Kindle Unlimited. Get it by using the link below:

Gateways by Brian Gottheil

Synopsis
For months, the Continent has been mired in a devastating war: artillery barrages lasting days, the death rattle of machine guns, toxic chemical gas, futile charges across no-man’s-land toward enemy trenches. Caryn Hallom, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Deugan and the first woman to have achieved such a powerful position in the fledgling democracy, is horrified that she failed to prevent the war from breaking out on her watch. 

When Caryn finds herself trapped together with Michael Ravencliffe, a member of the royal family of Deugan’s main enemy in the war, she seizes on the opportunity to try to negotiate an end to the fighting. Little does she know that a new faction is about to enter the conflict, armed with a frightening magical weapon … or that it will be led by the one person on the Continent who knows the truth about Caryn’s past. 

Gateways has been described as a fantasy novel that reads like historical fiction. Set in an alternate world that resembles Europe during the First World War, the novel combines geopolitics with plots, counterplots and magic, and ultimately asks the question: how far are we prepared to go for peace?

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 429

Review
I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
I give Gateways 5 out of 5 stars 

I am going to start this review with a confession: this is not normally the type of book I would set out to read on my own. When Brian Gottheil asked me to review his novel a couple months ago, I agreed because I was searching for something different than my usual story and Gateways looked interesting.

It begins with a "excerpt" from a book or journal about the history of the Great War. Right away, the background for the story is established. I appreciate this unique and intellectual introduction to the story. I felt like I was reading a bit of history and then jumping into history-in-the-making as Gottheil took me to the action. 

The book is a fantastic blend of war strategy, political relations, mystery, and magic. There is something for everyone here. I have to point out, as well, that the story is very well-written. It flows easily and if there are any errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar, I didn't notice. 

The best part of Brian Gottheil's novel is the unpredictability of it. There are enough twists in the plot to keep the reader on his or her toes. The characters are multidimensional and full of surprises. Every time I tried to pin down the good guys or the bad ones, I found myself having to adjust my thinking.

I recommend Gateways to anyone who likes a good mystery, war story, or fantasy tale. It's one of those stories that will stay with you long after you finish reading the book.


About the Author

In his own words:
I’ve been writing as a hobby since, at the age of four, I penned an epic about my then-favourite sport, the charmingly mis-spelled “baceball.” Many years have passed, but I’m finally gearing up to self-publish my first novel, Gateways, and I’m very excited about it. It’s a fantasy novel that reads like historical fiction (or so I’ve been told). 

I live in Toronto, Canada, or as we Torontonians like to call it, “the centre of the universe.” I’m just joking about that… mostly. I’m writing a novel at the moment in which the main character hates Toronto, so that’s been a bit of a challenge. At one point she describes it as a “frenetic smogscape.” To each her own, I suppose. 

In my day job, I work as a labour and employment lawyer with Bernardi Human Resource Law. You might think that writing would be my biggest hobby outside of law, but actually, I spend most of my free time swing dancing and swing dance organizing. (I’m writing a novel based on dancing, too). Swing is an umbrella term for several different partner dances that are done to the big band jazz music of the 1930s and 40s, and it also includes some styles done to later music which evolved from earlier swing dances. I focus on the lindy hop, which was the original swing dance.

Brian's Website and blog.

Follow Brian on Facebook and Goodreads.

Tales of the Forgotten (A Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Novel, Volume Two) by W.J. Lundy

Synopsis
The world is at war with the Primal Virus. Military forces across the globe have been recalled to defend the homelands as the virus spreads and decimates populations. 

Out on patrol and assigned to a remote base in Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Brad Thompson’s unit was abandoned and left behind, alone and without contact. 

They survived and have built a refuge, but now they are forgotten. No contact with their families or commands. 

Brad makes a tough decision to leave the safety of his compound to try and make contact with the States, desperate to find rescue for his men. 

What he finds is worse than he could have ever predicted. 

This is a Zombie war story, The follow up to: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Escaping the Dead) 

Publisher: Phalanx Press (May 29th, 2014)
Print Length: 298 pages
Edited by Monique Happy

Review
Kindle version purchased on Amazon
I give Tales of the Forgotten 5 out of 5 Stars 

This book has been on my "to read" list ever since I finished the first book in this series. For a review of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (Escaping the Dead), click here. Tales of the Forgotten is quite a bit longer than Escaping the Dead, but it didn't feel like it. It is one of those books I couldn't put down. 

I notice on Amazon that this edition is described as a "New Edited Version". I don't know what the previous version was like, but this one is flawless. I appreciate the professional "finish" of the book. If there were errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar, I didn't notice them. I don't usually give a lower rating for books with those types of errors, but when I see a book without mistakes, it tells me that the author respects his or her readers and takes pride in his/her work.

I like the pacing of the story. It's fast, but not to the point where the action becomes unbelievable. As I said above, I couldn't put the book down. I carried my Kindle with me everywhere. I read while brushing my teeth, cooking dinner, watching TV... well, you get the idea. I was invested in the four central characters and wanted to keep track of them, hoping they would survive from one scene to the next.

I noticed something about the main character, Brad, that makes him different from most main characters in this type of story: he is not the "leader" of his group of survivors. He defers to his more experienced, higher ranking counterparts, Sean and Brooks. Brad learns from them and there is absolutely no ego on his part. I point this out only because I find it refreshing to have a main character in this type of scenario who isn't also the leader with a seemingly endless supply of knowledge and extraordinary skills.

I have a long "to read" list and lots of books in my Kindle that are getting dusty (virtually). I will not wait to read book number three in this series. I need to find out what happens next!

Do yourself a favor: read this series!

 
Click the links above to purchase books 1 & 2-- You won't regret it.

About the Author

W. J. Lundy is a still serving Veteran of the U.S. Military with service in Afghanistan. He has over 12 years of combined service with the Army and Navy in Europe, the Balkans and Southwest Asia. W.J. is an avid athlete, writer, backpacker and shooting enthusiast. He currently resides with his wife and daughter in Central Michigan.

I developed the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot series from notes and ideas I had put together while deployed to Afghanistan. I had been jokingly asked how we would defend against a zombie attack.

I wanted to tell a story that portrays the military that I know, that displays our actual capabilities. These are my thoughts, I hope you enjoy them, and thank you for reading.

Follow W.J. Lundy on Facebook and Twitter.

Time of Death: Induction (A Zombie Tale) by Shana Festa

Synopsis
When no one or nowhere is safe, where do you go to escape the monsters? 

In a few short days, 37 year old Emma Rossi’s hard work will finally pay off. She will don her cap and gown and graduate with a degree in nursing, but not before she loses her first patient and is confronted with a new reality. In Cape Coral, Florida, a storm approaches. The dead are coming back to life. 

And they’re hungry. 

Infection ravages the Eastern Seaboard with alarming speed while attempts to contain the spread of infection fail. Within days, a small pocket of panicked survivors are all that remain of civilization. Fighting to survive the zombie apocalypse alongside her husband Jake and their dog Daphne, Emma comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare. 

Relying on snarky wit and sheer determination, she is forced to commit atrocious acts to protect her family and avoid joining the ranks of the undead.

Publisher: Permuted Press
Print Length: 198 pages

Review
I purchased Time of Death: Induction from Amazon (Kindle Version)
I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars (5= I love it)

Shana Festa's debut novel Time of Death: Induction is a fun, fast read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The story's easy flow, plot, and intensity kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. 

The characters are likable and highly believable. There are no superheroes in this story and no guarantee that the main characters will survive from one scene to the next. This makes for an exciting, emotionally rousing read. 

There are plenty of humorous moments in the book, especially having to do with the main character, who is also the narrator of the story.  The humor balances out the intensity of the story-line just enough to create a few chuckles in the midst of all the gore, death, and horror. 

The zombies in the story are true zombies. Understandably, many authors are trying to make their zombies a little different for the sake of originality. This is the first book I've read in a while that doesn't stray from the traditional idea of a zombie. It's refreshing and made the story that much more fun for me.

I recommend Time of Death: Induction to all fans of zombie books, movies, or television shows. It's a fantastic book filled with all kinds of zombie goodness!



About the Author

Shana Festa was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 17, 1976 and grew up in Northboro, Massachusetts. She currently lives in Cape Coral, Florida with her husband and two dogs, Daphne & Casey.

Shana is a registered nurse with clinical experience in mental health, geriatrics, HIV and substance abuse. In addition to her clinical background, Shana possesses over 15 years of experience with project management and data analytics.

Under her alter ego, The Bookie Monster, Shana reviews horror and paranormal books, with an emphasis on (but not limited to) zombie fiction. With a background in Psych Nursing, Shay brings her unique perspective to the literary community.

Shana loves hearing from readers. Visit her author website, www.shanafesta.com for more information on Shana and her writing. She can also be found on Twitter, @BookieMonsterSF, and Facebook, www.facebook.com/timeofdeath.book.

The Chest by Michael Robertson

Synopsis

Waking up in a hostile environment, paralyzed from the waist down, and unable to see any further than the end of his nose, James has to work out where he is and what the hell he's doing there.

Publisher: Self Published
Print length: 29 pages

Review
Format: Kindle (Kindle Unlimited)
I give The Chest 5 out of 5 Stars (I love it!)

Once again, Michael Robertson has blown me away! I read this book in one setting because once I started, I didn't want to stop. I had to find out how it ends. 

Like most readers, I made assumptions about what was going on and why the character found himself in the situation he did. All of my assumptions were wrong. I love stories that do that to me! 

The book is also very well-written. Robertson has a beautiful way with words... almost poetic, but without any pretentiousness. 

The ending is what sealed the "wow" deal for me: totally unexpected and meaningful. I recommend this book highly.

Buy The Chest on Amazon!


About the Author

Michael is a writer from the UK with several publications to his name both online and in print. He has recently won a competition with HarperCollins for his zombie short story 'In the Name of Science'. He writes because he needs to. He writes dystopian, sci-fi, and apocalyptic fiction. Crash is his first ebook release.

Follow Michael Robertson on Facebook and Twitter.
Website: Michael Robertson

E by Kate Wrath

Synopsis

A poignant tale of love and friendship in a world beyond hope… 

Outpost Three: a huddle of crumbling buildings choked by a concrete wall. Cracked pavement, rusted metal, splintering boards. Huge robotic Sentries police the streets, but the Ten Laws are broken every time one turns its back. 

Eden is determined, smart, and a born survivor. Stripped of her memories and dumped on the streets of the Outpost, slavers and starvation are only the beginning of her problems. A devastating conflict is coming that threatens to consume her world and tear her newfound family apart. 

Life is harsh. It makes no exceptions. Not even for the innocent. 

Publisher: Self Published
Print Length: 351 pages

Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. 
I give E 5 out of 5 stars (5 stars= I loved it)

Fans of dystopian fiction are in for a treat with Kate Wrath's E. The setting is dark and cruel, the characters are memorable, and the story is full of surprises.

I didn't know what to expect from this book. I read the synopsis and was interested in the description of the story and the setting. At the same time, I was concerned it was going to simply be a glittery romance novel with dark undertones. 

I discovered quickly that this story is anything but glittery. The characters are complex and well-developed. The main character, Eden, is smart and tough, but she also has her vulnerabilities.  She makes friends and enemies throughout the story, each one unique and important to plot. 

The futuristic world in which the story takes place is a frightening one, putting the characters in potentially deadly situations everyday. In this world, people must break laws and moral codes just to survive.  Food is scarce, the streets are unsafe, and those with power abuse it. Laws are enforced by robotic creatures who deal with suspected offenders violently and swiftly. All this adds up to a book that is hard to put down.

The story is written very well-- it's intelligent, fast-paced, and if there were any editing or proofreading problems, I didn't notice them. 

Kudos to Kate Wrath for an excellent story!

Purchase E on Amazon!

About the Author

Kate Wrath is a science fiction and fantasy author. The first book in her series, E, debuted in May 2014. The second book is anticipated later in the year.

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